MANUFACTURED FOR MARRIAGE

I'm thankful for being born in a household where women are allowed to follow their dreams. This inspired me to take the offbeat path in life.
However, any trekker worth his salt and backpack will tell you that the next surprise is always round the corner. My cousin, practically younger than me but theoretically older, is getting married.
It's a love marriage, as we, the younger generation, are allowed to choose our seven year partners (the seven -year marriage jinx, after which it hits the rock and we are back to our parents house). I do hope our marriages last long. But, here's my question: How come it's assumed that girls are manufactured for marriage?
Yes, this question is repeated in a lot of households across India, why even across the world. Pretty sure it is the same in your home too. My sister, an IT professional, returns home late at night. She has decided to build her career and lives her life by her terms; almost. When i asked her which car is she going to buy, pat came the reply, "I'm saving enough for the marriage venue".
Who decided that the girl and her family should pay for the venue? And how come these days, its always a 5-star hotel, with 2-star food and half-star waiting staff? Not to mention the Gold rush, which is almost destroying the middle class in India.
Marriages are made in heaven. Unfortunately, even our aunts and relatives come with the package. They reinforce false expectations and beliefs. They are the first to complain about the a flower petal missing in the bouquet, the halwa being too sweet and the gold glittering less. I've seen that they are the first to scoot and slam the door when marriages turn sour and their help is needed. They show up again when a boy is born and to check out the ornaments when a girl is put in the cradle.
This year, we welcomed another baby girl to the family, pushing the total number of "manufactured for marriage" candidates to seven. That in itself is a sad thought. I'm not against marriage. I'm just against the idea that it is a must to establish identity and be accepted.
As i write this, my sister gets complemented on a successful project. "You have a bright future ahead of you", says her boss.
A midst the pestering calls for alliances, ads for Elite matrimony, 24 carat gold and pure Mysore Silk, nothing can be farther than the truth.