The old system where parents chose a spouse without the girl's consent is nearly extinct in urban centers. Today’s "arranged marriage" is a hybrid. Parents register on matrimonial apps (Shaadi.com, BharatMatrimony), filter candidates by caste and horoscope, but then the couple is given "trial periods" of coffee dates, phone calls, and social media stalking before a "yes."
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As she drifted off to sleep, Priya smiled, knowing that she was part of a rich and vibrant culture, one that was steeped in tradition, yet open to change. She felt proud to be an Indian woman, with a history that stretched back thousands of years, and a future that was bright and full of possibilities. The old system where parents chose a spouse