Romola could accept the widely acclaimed proverb " Ignorance is bliss where it is folly to be wise" with a certain reservation. She was happy and proud to be the only daughter of an upper-middle-class couple. They lavished on her love and affection and whatever she wanted was given to her. Of course, she did miss a sibling at times but when she thought of sharing everything, she would rather not have one.

The parents had planned every stage of her life even to the point of whom she should marry. Of course, they didn't disclose to her their heart's desire. They thought her first cousin would be the right match. They had reasons for the same. Rajesh's mother and Romola's father are siblings, Similarly, his father and Romola's mother are siblings. So, there would not be anxiety for Romola to adjust to new surroundings. The main reason they thought so despite consanguinity was that Romola was adopted. They hid from her the truth, fearing they might lose her total affection and also she might start searching for her real parents.

Though Romola and Rajesh were in different places, they met often during vacations. Rajesh knew the truth after he grew up. He was asked not to divulge to Romola. Their childhood was a pleasant memory for both of them. Of course, they had their pranks and tiffs, but everything was fun. As they entered their teens, Rajesh three years her senior, their interest in each other became more reciprocal. Rajesh with all confidence was making amorous advances , but Romola then a first-year Science student in college was thoroughly confused.

During one of the sessions, her professor was drawing her attention to the unfortunate outcome of marrying relatives. Children born to such parents will either have physical or mental disability. Her precise statement- ' Say No to Marrying Relatives' was echoing in Romola's ears. She decided, ' Rajesh is my cousin and I should draw a firm line for him not to overstep it'. After she made up her mind, she felt relieved. Again, when they both met, she felt she was losing her confidence in holding on to the decision.

Her mother could sense her disturbance and slowly broached the subject. By then Romola was in the last term of her graduation. With farewell parties all around, she appeared listless and disinterested. Her mother asked her, ' What is bothering you, my child? I have been noticing it for quite some time. Feel free to express, let us see if we can find a way out. Moreover, I wanted to ask you about your future plan. We would like you to settle down with Rajesh who is well placed to take good care of you'.

Tears started rolling down Romola's cheeks and helplessly she said, “Oh mother, how much I like and adore him! But aren't we first cousins related on both sides? My professor advised us not to marry relatives. She brought out the consequences very clearly. How can I ever think of committing the same mistake?' Her mother never expected this side of the matter. Now the time has come for her to tell the truth. She can no longer hide it. So, she told her husband Romola's concern. They both decided to tell her the truth to ease her tension. And when they did, it was a rude shock for Romola!

"Why did you hide this from me all along? Why did my parents give me up? Where are they now?" All these questions tumbled one after the other. She just wanted to cry aloud. She went into her room without even waiting for the answer and cried her heart out. Her parents waited for her to compose herself.

Then slowly they both went into her room. Her mother continued” Look here, my child. Your parents could not afford to feed another mouth. So, they willingly opted to give you in adoption. Since they had a large family and were poverty-stricken, they did not want to drag you also into it. They just asked the doctor to give you to a deserving childless couple. We had not seen them also. After all the legalities were fulfilled, we got you. We feel blessed to have you as our daughter. We always consider you as our own and so did not find the need to inform you otherwise. Pardon us if you feel we ought to have done so”. Romola hugged her parents saying , “Thank you for making me the apple of your eye. The initial shock was too much. Now that I 've understood the situation, I can take it. Moreover, it has relieved me of one great tension. Am no longer Rajesh's blood relative. Am now free to marry him without fear of consequences. “ She heaved a sigh of relief.

ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL! Let us wish them both all the best.