An accidental marriage

by Yasmin Jaldin

Leaving the hospital that late evening after a hectic day and feeling very tired, Doctor Hector was rushing home to be in time for his father's birthday party. His mother had telephoned him thrice, and finally he was on his way.

Sure, she would have invited all her elite friends. He was an experienced doctor much sought for urgent operations, and how could he just cancel his final operation for the day just because of his father's party? His dedication to duty was utmost, wasn't he saving another's life and his patients depended on him. Mother was never understanding. He knew of her urgency for his presence. Sure, she may have invited Aunty Sheila's high-handed daughter who had a drawling accent, hoping he would like her.

His mother was matchmaking many young girls from her high society circle which he detested. They were not his type, he told her several times. 'Look here son, this is ridiculous, I find you making innumerable excuses whenever a proposal is brought in, do you have someone in mind?'

Concentrate

'Nothing of the sort. Oh! mother, just let me be for a while, please allow me to concentrate on my job, you know I love it,' he had told her.

'Listen son, with your job you need a respectable wife and once you pass your marriageable age all the good dames would be hitched and later a useless one would hang on to you,' said she.

'I will take care of myself,' said Hector laughingly.

With the end of the year fast approaching, darkness enveloped Nuwara Eliya very early in the evenings with slight rain and chilly weather patterns. And it was just as he was taking the bend that he saw someone wearing a raincoat come down the hill onto the road. The figure came close to his vehicle. Distracted, he swerved to allow an oncoming vehicle resulting in knocking down the person. There was no cry but the injured person had fallen sideways.

Fainted

What had he done? The victim was a young girl who had fainted through fright. Examining her pulse Hector found her to be alright, except for a few bruises on her elbows and knees with a slight gash on her forehead, so there was no cause for alarm. With the aid of a by-stander he sped back to the hospital when he heard a cry from the back seat.

'Please take me home. I am alright, my aunt is alone,' said she.

'Don't be scared. I am a doctor. You have to take medicine and a thorough medical check-up, tonight you have to stay in the hospital, let's call your aunt,' said he. That night Hector skipped his father's party amidst many accusations by his mother for staying at the hospital.

He prescribed medicines to his new patient who blushed when he spoke to her. 'Hm, not only was she pretty, she had a touch of innocence and simplicity; who is she?" he thought.

The following day her sad story was related to him by her aunt, which touched a chord of sympathy in him. Five years ago Tracy and her parents were on an excursion with her father's friends at Bolgoda Lake. The group of thirty with their families enjoyed themselves taking many boat rides on the lake. It was late evening and the picnic was at end, when they all chorused, 'one last ride by boat'. Two boats with all of them raced with everyone merry-making and singing when one boat capsized. The ill fated one was Tracy's.

Drowned

Many were rescued but her parents and two others were drowned. She was fourteen years at that time. The poor girl, now an orphan, was fortunate to be looked after by her father's unmarried sister who was a teacher, residing up-country. Tracy had moved from her home in Colombo to live with her aunt. The day of the accident involving Hector, she herself now a teacher, had been at the school uphill teaching a few students.

Dropping the aunt and niece at their residence the following day, Hector did not fail to visit them. Truly, Tracy would make me an ideal wife. Most of the subjects they discussed were parallel to his own, that is what he liked. He revealed his intention to marry her, to her aunt. He knew his mother would not approve if he told her immediately of his intention to marry. Since she was on the lookout for high society girls to match her social status, it was definite that she would secretly visit the aunt and niece and humiliate them, for it was her nature.

If he had agreed to marry one of mother's finds, he knew his future would be bleak since he hated sophisticated girls wanting to live extravagantly. Their lifestyles were very different. Moreover, they behaved with an air among them and these girls attended late parties, they would never be a good wife which would hamper his career. No, I shall not divulge my intention to mother for the time being, let it be a secret for some time, thought Hector.

Etiquette

In the meanwhile, a bright idea struck him. He sent Tracy to follow a crash course in etiquette. True to the word, her transformation after its completion was unique that no one dared wonder her former self. She was no more the plain Tracy. Even her aunt was amused, so was Hector.

His mother was in tantrums when he had disclosed about her, and she demanded to know how he met her. She brooded for a long while and then calming down, agreed to visit them.

Her father's only surviving brother who was an uncle holding a dignified position in a government office was invited to be present at the impending visit of Hector's parents that week-end.

Briefing the aunt and niece about his family, he gave them instructions to be followed. His final words before he left to escort his parents to her home was 'speak only when you are spoken to'.

'OK Master, don't worry I shall obey your commands', said she, with a glint in her eye.

Sure enough Hector's aristocratic mother was very pleased with Tracy. She welcomed the future daughter-in-law, she had passed the test.

After a few months Hector and Tracy married, bringing an end to his mother's worries.