A cube and a stove: The 90s marriage starter pack

In the 1990s, embarking on the journey of marriage was a remarkably simple affair. It was a time when couples believed in starting small and growing together, forging a life built on love rather than material possessions. Love was the bedrock of every union, and anything beyond that—be it wealth or property—was merely an added bonus.

Men who grew up in the 80s and 90s often entered marriage with little to their names. Many lacked even a proper house, instead beginning their married lives in what was affectionately known as a “cube.” This modest dwelling, constructed from iron sheets and mud, served as the foundation for many successful marriages. Typically built behind a parent’s house, these simple structures were the launchpads for lifelong commitments.

For many women of that era, stepping into their new homes meant encountering a sparse collection of household items. A greenish kerosene stove—since gas stoves were reserved for society’s elite—stood as a staple. Alongside it were a few plates, a handful of cups, and two small sufurias. These basic utensils were often acquired by the groom in anticipation of marriage, symbolising the first steps toward domestic life.

When a man had firmly won a woman’s heart and decided to marry her, the size of his home or the presence of luxury items mattered little. Large rental houses were virtually unheard of in the villages, where most marriages took place.

The momentous transition into marriage often began with a simple yet strategic gesture. A woman would be invited to her suitor’s humble abode, unaware of the carefully orchestrated plan to encourage her to stay. As night fell, intentional delays would be made—gentle persuasions, affectionate nagging, and whispered reassurances coaxing her into spending the night. That single evening, under the quiet glow of a flickering lamp, became an unspoken ceremony. No official vows were exchanged, yet the silent promise was made: forever together, through wealth and hardship, bound till death.

With the break of dawn, the journey of marriage truly began. The newlyweds, with their modest possessions embraced their new reality. In the following days, the mother-in-law often provided meals, welcoming the new daughter-in-law into the family. The warmest and most supportive mothers-in-law even gifted extra utensils as a gesture of acceptance.

A few days later, the greenish kerosene stove would be ignited in its new home, its roaring flame cooking the couple’s first shared meals. Their modest dwelling, with only a bedsheet partitioning the “sitting room” from the “bedroom,” became the sanctuary where they built their future. The stove, while a source of sustenance, also brought its own challenges—when extinguished, its fumes could be unbearable, prompting many couples to put it out outside. This seemingly trivial inconvenience would later become a cherished memory, a humorous anecdote to be recounted in the years to come.

Each evening, the man of the house would return from work, bringing home a few groceries— some flour, half a kilogram of meat, and vegetables. His wife, eager to prove her skills, would cook the meal with care, often sharing a portion with her mother-in-law as a sign of respect and gratitude.

The humility and optimism that defined these early days stand in stark contrast to the expectations of today’s newlyweds. Modern couples meticulously inspect their prospective homes, scrutinising every detail—from flooring to kitchen appliances—demanding a residence that exudes class and sophistication. Entertainment gadgets, once an afterthought, are now seen as necessities. In contrast, the 90s newlyweds found joy in simple conversations and laughter. A battery-operated radio, if they were fortunate enough to own one, was their only source of entertainment.

Many couples who started their marriages in this way now look back with deep nostalgia. They recall the simplicity of those humble beginnings, the struggles that shaped them, and the growth that followed. Theirs are stories of enduring love, forged in the fires of shared hardships and bound by the belief that true wealth lies not in possessions, but in the strength of a love that stands the test of time.