Jack Vanden Broek

18.9647° N, 72.8258° E THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE

(an adaptation of the character Egeus in )

Brother Santosh, 05/01/12

It has been too long since we last spoke. How is Delhi treating you and your family? I wish to thank you for naming your 5th son after me. I am having some troubles with Geetu. As you know she has been arranged to marry Raju. He is very, very smart with the computers. He makes much money. I do not know how but she has fallen in love with another boy, a Muslim named Mohammed. It not felt this way since Indira Gandhi was killed. while I sleep! I was purchasing some charras on my way home and I asked the man if he knew anything about Mohammad. Ganesh has blessed me with his fortune; this vendor’s brother is the waterman for the apartment where Mohammed lives. He is a Goonda! It is terrible indeed; is it not bad enough that he is not Hindu but a criminal as well?

I am afraid I will have to remind Geetu who has the authority. It has been too long since I last used my bamboo cane. A few lashes might help… or would it? All of the news today is either about the Afghans or women. She speaks with her mother about girls being attacked by their husbands. Why is that so wrong? It is their right as husband to do as they wish. Raju is a good man; he would not hurt my daughter. It is that Mohammed that will ruin her. Perhaps it is the rambling mind of a tired old man. I will speak with Kumar about this.

The very best to you and Padma and the children,

Vikram Egeus

Santosh, 05/03/12

She is gone! She has run off with the Goonda to his old village! Raju him, the poor girl is in love with Raju. I worry for the girls; the monsoons are almost upon us and the wedding is almost here.

Enjoy the charras,

Vikram Egeus

Santosh, 05/17/12

It has been 2 weeks since the four of them disappeared. I am very worried, what if Geetu is hurt? What if she is dead? Worst of all, what if she has married the Muslim? I hope Raju scared him off…

Send pictures of the children,

Vikram Egeus

It is a glorious day Santosh, 05/24/12

They have returned! I fear it was rather embarrassing for everyone however. We found them in Flora Fountain of all places. The women ran to cover the girls. My family will be the laughing stock of Colaba. I was in a rage and when I saw the Goonda and I charged at him. But I realized something then. I looked into Mohammed’s eyes and saw that he truly loved Geetu. My charge turned into a hug. A gora once called it a “bear hug”. Why would they hug bears? Do not be upset but in my moment of joy I may have granted him my permission to marry Geetu.

I told him to make me a beautiful dagger, and give it to me in return. Should he ever hurt my daughter I will turn his gift against him. Raju and Sangeeta are also to be wed. A very strange month it has been my brother.

We will visit you soon,

Vikram Egeus