Finally it was the day - the day for the most awaited wedding of the season, the marriage of my cousin Lally Apa. Since we come from a large family (our Khandaan), it becomes really hard to meet all the family members. In situations like this, we generally wait for some grand celebrations like marriage. Lally Apa's wedding was one such occasion for us!
Considering the way of life we have... always busy with works and all, the wedding in Delhi was more or less a good break for us. Moreover, it was one of those times when we could see others after a long gap, some in years! So everyone was gearing up for the break and the grand reunion. That was the big fat Odia wedding of the season!
Plans were ready... we kept in touch with each other to know the respective arrivals. It was the most exciting time for us and especially me, since I was going to meet many people, including the bride after a long long gap. I decided to go a little earlier so that I could have some time with my parents too. Chinki was missing in the list due to her exams. She still regrets what all she missed!
The moment I landed in Delhi, Bapa was there to receive me at the airport. From there itself started the events of meeting and greeting everyone. Almost all the elderly members of our family were there along with a few cousins (brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law). Soon we were busy preparing for the evening which was the engagement ceremony. As we reached the temple, Jiju and his family was already there. But we were waiting for the bride to come. After making us wait for an hour, finally she came! She was simple yet sunning and wore the most beautiful smile ever! The rituals of the evening started. However, we were so busy talking and posing for the shutterbugs. The event ended with a wonderful Mahaprasad dinner.
Next day was the 'sangeet' but since all the people with whom I wanted to be with were busy and some others were unavailable, I thought of joining Ma with the trip they had planned to Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan. The journey was tiring considering the amount of travel we had yet the places were wonderful, especially the Taj. It is always a delight to see it! The magnificent architecture kept surprising me. Although the guide we had was not the best one but he somewhat managed to introduce us to the most salient features of the historic monument, one of the seven wonders of the world! The trip to Mathura was enjoyable. I was happy to be in the land of my Lord! By the time we reached Vrindavan, it was evening and the weather was kind of windy all of a sudden. To add to it was the chaos caused by the visitors and monkeys there. They made the whole visit a little scarier for me at least! We somehow made it for the dinner and left for Delhi, to the venue where a 'jagraata' was scheduled. Though we were the last entrants, but it was still okay. I realized, I would have been hell bored if I would have stayed back. By the end of the second day, I had already met Lally Apa, Kuku Apa, Reet and Putul Apa. These are some of the people with whom I only keep in touch but can hardly meet due to our own engagements. So meeting them was the best part of the whole trip.
The next day was the D-day. Almost all the people who were supposed to attend the wedding had gathered. We talked, we laughed and we cherished loads of old memories. After breakfast, most of them left for some other works they had on plates. Since I was kind of free, I thought of going out to see the historic city of New Delhi. The whole city actually surprised me. It was so beautifully planned. I did see some of the landmark places - India Gate, Red Fort, The Parliament, Chandni Chowk and many more. I was so content with the wonderful city!
Soon after lunch, we started preparing for the evening. It was the last wedding to be solemnized before mine's. It was going to be a memorable evening after all! Everyone came in their best.. however, the lady of the evening for whom the whole ceremony was organized actually stole the show. She looked extremely pretty and gorgeous even though everything was so simple about her! Once she was out there, everybody was distracted from what they were doing and attracted towards her. Finally came the groom and his entire party. The about-to-wed couples were led to the stage where the guests can personally meet and greet them. Seeing the bride and groom together on the stage was quite a view! They both complemented each other so well - one of the best pairs ever! The shutterbugs were glued to their cameras which kept clicking the beautiful couple! Then came the guest of the evening- the Home Minister himself. It was good to see Mr. Chidambaram in real, especially when I have heard so many things about him! He was in his usual self but that moment was truly special! As he left, we thought it was better to leave the handsome couple for the rest of the invitees and enjoy the delicious food - which we do the best :-) We ended up talking, talking and talking. Finally the marriage ceremony started and it was a delight to see the mixture of Odia-Punjabi wedding! By early morning, it was done and the bride went off to her new home to start a new life and we retired to our rooms to get a power nap and energize ourselves. It was time for me to leave. I was sad because in just three days I had made memories which would last till the end of life. Meeting everyone was just awesome. Seeing Bapa and Ma after a long time felt just as nice as it sounds to be! We so much felt the absence of Chinki!
I particularly like the culture that is now in our family - a mini India in the whole family. I love the liberal attitude of the parents, the freedom they have given to their children and the way the children take it. Everyone has the fair chance of pursuing what they want. I hope, this culture goes better with time and the love and respect we have for each other stays forever!
Now back to Bangalore, back to work - all hale and hearty spirits! The whole credit goes to the girl who made it so so wonderful for all of us. Her wedding was indeed the wedding of the season which ended up with a great get-together!
Love you lots, Lally Apa. Wish you a great married life and hope you have loads of beautiful days ahead!
Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.
