why did bholi agree to the unsuitable match at first?

Bholi initially agreed to the unsuitable match out of deep respect for her parents and family honor. Despite the groom Bishamber being much older, lame, and a widower with grown children, she prioritized not disappointing her father, Ramlal, who saw the proposal as a rare opportunity for her due to her speech impediment and pockmarked face.

Story Context

In K.A. Abbas's short story "Bholi" from the Class 10 NCERT textbook Footprints Without Feet , Sulekha (nicknamed Bholi) grows up facing ridicule for her stammering and simple-minded appearance after a childhood brain injury. Her illiterate parents worry she'll remain unmarried, making any proposal seem like a blessing. When Bishamber—a prosperous but flawed grocer—proposes, Ramlal eagerly accepts to uphold family prestige in their rural community.

Bholi, conditioned by years of low self-worth, doesn't protest at first. Education later empowers her, but initially, she views marriage as her duty, even if unequal.

Key Reasons for Agreement

• Family Pressure and Honor : Bholi didn't want to shame her parents or question Ramlal's decision, believing he knew best.

• Low Self-Confidence : Marked by pockmarks from smallpox and her stammer, she felt unmarriageable and feared lifelong spinsterhood.

• Societal Norms : In her traditional Indian village setting, girls like her accepted limited options to secure stability.

Why She Later Rejected It

The match collapsed when Bishamber demanded 5,000 rupees dowry upon seeing her face, insulting Ramlal by rejecting her outright. Bholi boldly refused, declaring she wouldn't marry a "mean, greedy, and contemptible coward," showcasing her transformation through schooling.

Multiple Viewpoints

• Feminist Lens : Highlights how patriarchy and beauty standards trap women, but education sparks agency.

• Cultural Angle : Reflects dowry evils and arranged marriage pressures in mid-20th-century India.

• Character Growth : Bholi evolves from timid to assertive, rejecting exploitation for self-respect.

TL;DR : Bholi's initial yes stemmed from filial duty and insecurity, but her no came from newfound dignity amid greed. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.