Musings on family relationships

[raven]

I was just talking to my grandmother. No, it was not what is generally called a conversation, but it was better than usual, which is something. We got onto the topic of school, for some reason; she wanted to know if I was doing anything for my results, and I attempted to explain the Last Supper party with some success. She said it sounded fun. She asked me if my friends are all the same age as me, and I said they were; I think she's somewhat surprised that they're all taller than me.

I asked her about school. Did she like it? What subjects did she do?

Apparently, she went to school until she was fourteen. That was a time when English wasn't compulsory in schools; she did Sanskrit instead. And then she left school, and by the time she was my age, she was married. I asked her if she liked school, and she said she did, but I get the feeling that wasn't an issue. It was an arranged marriage, of course. And she was married for sixty-six years. She's never worked, or been anything except a wife and mother.

My grandfather was a civil servant - he worked with India's first computer, which I find cool - but he was the perfect example of the stereotype. He was more interested in Rohan and Sunny than me, because they're boys. There's the constant ritual - who's going to be the next head of the family, and all of that. In an equal-opportunities world, it would be me. Pedar's the eldest of his siblings, and I'm his only child. But of course, the next head of the family will be Sunny, who is my grandfather's son's son. However, I do get the feeling all of this will be a moot point. I can't see Sunny bossing anyone around. Even if he does, I can't see Rohan, Nupur or myself listening to him.

I wonder what this family will be like in ten years. I'm British. Nupur's American. Sunny's Australian. I think perhaps it will be different.

Comments

[crackerwoman.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I wish I can talk to my grandmother like that. But unfortunately she just rambles on about the grand children that never cared for her. It makes me feel bad, but either way. All my friends are taller than me too. Eh, it sucks sometimes.

My family never had one of those arranged marriages, but it's incredible sixty-six years. I would die if things were like they used to be, women had to be house wives and do all the work around the house. And the men earn all the money. I would feel completely useless, but then again I would be taking care of my kids so that's important. Wow, I rant alot. :x

Heh, my dad does the same. He has three daughters and one son. Who does he pay more attention to? The bratty son -_-. Lol Ah, I guess some things never change.
xoxo Lucy*~

[loneraven.livejournal.com]

Families, it seems, are all alike. Grandmothers complain, men dominate, and brothers are bratty!

Short people of the world unite... :)

[essayel.livejournal.com]

Very interesting anecdote about your grandmother. My Mum left school at fourteen too, during the Second World War.
Actually I'm here to thank you very much for a review you left for one of my fics. I always try to say thanks but you don't accept email - then I noticed your LJ. I hope you don't mind.

[loneraven.livejournal.com]

Oh, no, of course I don't mind. You're very welcome.
Essayel... the name sounds familiar - did you once write a meta-fic involving Sirius, Remus and a whole load of others in the fanfic factory? It had me in stitches... :)

[essayel.livejournal.com]

Guilty as charged. That was The Mattress and you were very nice about it when one considers how silly it was. Thank you. I'm working on part four but am serialising another very silly fic on my LJ.