Thau Tua and Mary stared at the piece of paper in disbelief.
"Is this really the compatibility reading based on our time and date of birth ?", he asked incredulously.
"I think we're gonna be victims of some superstition if we continue to believe in it."
"Marriage is based on two persons' love, trust and commitment to one another and certainly not on their birth dates ......!", lamented Mary.
"I think we should seek clarification from the master. Let's bring Grandma along.", Mary continued.
"Great idea, darling dear !", Thau Tua replied.
The following morning, the entire Lim's clan thronged the Tua Pek Kong's temple. Mary entered the premises hesitantly. She has never set foot in one before. The thick clouds of smoke almost choked Mary. She felt her eyes smarting.
Master Bo Nau emerged from the meditating room.
"Fellow devotees, what can I do for you?", Master asked in a husky voice.
"Master, I requested you to do a compatibility reading for my son and his future wife. The reading confirms that they are incompatible. What might happen if they do get married?" Madam Lau Bo asked.
"Master answered, "I only do the compatibility reading but I cannot look into the future. The reading also does not give advice on whether they should get married or not. It's up to them. The reading is merely some form of guidance. Whether the couple should be together or not depends on them. I am not responsible."
Realization sank into Grandma as Master Bo Nau spoke. What her grandson said was true. Superstition is a form of bondage. The people who promotes it claimed no responsibility. It's the believer's own folly to be entrapped by it.
"Could you just give me a little time to think over the matter?" ,Grandma asked sheepishly.
Mary and Thau Tua knew that Grandma was feeling "phai seh" (embarrassed). Giving her some time was actually an indirect way for her to "save face" (salvaged some pride).
Everyone is expecting her to come round in a matter of days.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Thau Tua and Mary received a huge ang pao from grandma when they offered her a cup of tea. This is the moment the golden couple is waiting for.
Everyone cheered and clapped as the bridegroom kissed the blushing bride.
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