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3. In being all of the things that you become after marriage, mother, wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, do not forget that you are also you.
4. Have arguments with the aim of solving the problem, not just for the sake of having an argument.
5. If possible, get a house with two bathrooms. Men really do have a sprinkler attached somewhere.
9.00 p.m.
Anu has had her mehendi done as well. Instead of Saumen, she got Amay written in one little corner on her right hand.
I almost teared up as I read her text.
Sangeet, 8 December 2013. 8.00 a.m.
I get to see Purva today! Yahoo!
Buckets full of cousins from across the country and the world are pouring in. Most of the guests are staying in my apartment and the one adjacent to it that has been kindly lent to us by the landlord for the wedding.
There is bedding on the floor everywhere. In various corners of the two houses, extended family members sit in cozy clusters and gossip over a million cups of chai. Ramu has taken the position of Head Chef and has a team of three people under him.
It’s not easy to get a girl married!
Noon.
‘Sleep!’ barked Mum, looking darkly at me.
‘But I don’t feel like sleeping,’ I said.
‘I don’t care, just sleep,’ she said dismissively. ‘You need to look rested for your sangeet in the evening.’
At that moment, Dad barged into the room. He looked a little bewildered. ‘Is Badi Buaji flying in or taking the train?’ Dad asked, looking at Mum, who had about ten lists in her hand.
‘Buaji is already here,’ said Mum.
‘Oh dear!’ said Dad, wiping his forehead. ‘Then someone is waiting somewhere. Get me Pitajee! We need to find out who is where!’
And with that, he rushed out of the room.
6.00 p.m.
A dazzlingly beautiful, even if I say so myself, yellow anarkali, hair set in gentle curls, hands resplendent with bangles, mehendi and the huge diamond engagement ring.
Flanked on either side by Paddy, Pitajee and my cousins, I walked into the brilliantly decked hall for my sangeet in a trance, not believing that it was all finally happening!
Incidentally, Purva was the first person my eyes fell on as I looked around. Clad in a cream, understated kurta, he looked so utterly elegant and handsome that I almost gasped in shock. When did he start looking so gorgeous, I wondered to myself.
‘Jiju!’ squealed one of my younger cousins. ‘He is so handsome!’
‘He is looking dapper, isn’t he?’ said Paddy, unable to keep the surprise out of her voice.
‘The ladki,’ said Purva, coming closer and winking at me. ‘And the ladki waaley,’ said Purva, slapping Pitajee on his back. I grinned. After very little debate, Pitajee had decided that he would attend the wedding as my guest. Hence the ladki waaley jibe.
Anju Aunty came to me and smothered me with kisses in front of a very amused Purva.
‘Leave her alone,’ he said, laughing and pulling us apart.
‘Why? Why? Is no one else allowed to kiss her?’ said one of Anju Aunty’s cousins, winking at Purva and me.
‘No, no, Auntyji. Why don’t you kiss her as well?’ said Pitajee, poker-faced.
