Rosie Aunty’s professionalism was appreciated in a changed and changing society. Her motives could not be purely altruistic, especially since her services were much in demand. Marriages were made no longer in heaven—they were made by negotiators. Rosie arranged for the exchange of photographs and meetings concerning the hypothetical partners with parents, friends and relatives living in Sri Lanka. The photograph was all important—the groomed plumage exhibited for the mating dance. The young woman would be attired in her best saree, her hair coiffeured, subtle make-up enhancing her looks. Not casual clothes like pants, jeans or skirt and blouse. The traditional look was important. The illusion that nothing had changed the chastity, virginity of the well brought up young woman must remain. These marriages would not end in divorce or separation; there would indeed be gratitude for the new experience, or so they thought. Colour photographs were very popular. In the course of time they would graduate to videos; perhaps cassette recordings of voices. The photographs of the young men from abroad were always against the background of affluence—large cars (Japanese in make), tables laden with food, smartly cut suits, winter overcoats, scarves, well-furnished apartments, lounging in outdoor cafés or at parties, always engaged in eating, drinking in convivial gatherings. There were other scenes too—sons hugging or being hugged by mothers, sisters, showing how family-oriented they were. And in reality they were. A prospective mother-in-law living abroad hankered for a dutiful daughter-in-law from the home country who would bow her head and be subservient to her will. The burden and responsibility of cooking, too, could be passed on to her. A quiet girl, a modest girl, who did not flaunt her looks would be suitable. She could sit by the old lady and massage her feet. The old lady would keep an eye on the young wife. Marriage was a serious pursuit. It was also a transaction. Sometimes the young man would come on a holiday. There was more than one proposal to be looked into. If the first one failed, there were a host of others. The young man would leave for the country he came from with either a bride or with the promise that she would follow later, after she had got her visa. Every young woman was ready with her passport.