The present-day marriage has to work in a difficult atmosphere where certain individual tastes come into conflict with societal expectations. The recent Meghalaya Honeymoon Case is a beautiful example of such a struggle. On 10 June, 2025, the sad tale of Raja Raghuvanshi, who was said to have been killed by his wife Sonam during their honeymoon in Meghalaya, exposed how weak is trust in present-day relationships. Sonam and four others were arrested for conspiracy in which her lover was allegedly involved after their story ended in a gorge. The couple would have wedded in Indore on 11 May 2025. It helps to best bring out the larger questions about marriage, albeit, strangely.
Lack of communication tops the list of issues for married couples, especially in arranged marriages, which still count. Normally, family pressure puts these unions into place, leaving no room for actually focusing on the expectations or becoming emotionally close. The Meghalaya case hinted that some form of foul play could have resulted in dire consequences, perhaps caused by unmet expectations or secret liaisons if something was even triggered.
Furthermore, social media and peer pressure increase stress levels. Raja's sister has fought for justice by using her power, but this has also raised questions about sensationalism. Today's couples have to deal with ongoing public criticism, which could strain their bonds. It is becoming more and more difficult to strike a balance between privacy and public expression in the digital age.
The case emphasises even more how important it is to address warning signs as soon as they appear. Couples must put their emotional compatibility ahead of societal expectations, whether through open communication or premarital counselling. Today's marriages can only succeed when there is openness, respect, and trust. We should reconsider our approach because the Meghalaya Honeymoon Case serves as a reminder of what is at risk when these foundations fail.