A wedding in the family

After a series of funerals, it was high time for our family to gather around a festive event. This sign of relief came in the form of my cousin Ashvin's wedding which took place this past week end and called for an enhanced bonding between relatives. Indian shadis tend to be ostentatious in nature as they come with a hidden need to outdo any previous one held before, something which is quite unnecessary as it overshadows the very essence of the celebration itself, the union of two souls.
I am happy that it was not the case this time. The religious ceremonies leading to the tying of the knot were held in the presence of close family members and the party following the wedding absolutely nailed it all with the guests looking genuinely happy for the couple.
Mawsa Anand singing a Manna Dey song to welcome her daughter-in-law into the family and the emotional speech of the bride's uncle moved us to the core and restored faith in us that somehow there are stories which are meant to last...
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Anchorage

You know you have found your place in this world when:

- Your friend texts you and asks you to be cautious on the road because of the heavy rainfall
- Your neighbors trust you enough to leave you their house key during their prolonged absence
- Your boss brings you a nice bottle of wine from his trip in SA and congratulates you for your work
- Your love interest offers to invite you for a romantic trip abroad
- Your friend offers you free yoga lessons twice a week
- Your friend entertains you with a nice conversation on WhatsApp when you can't find sleep past      midnight
- You regularly get invited to dinners with old friends who are even willing to reschedule to make
   sure they have you at the table
- Your friend doesn’t hesitate to confide his deepest fears to you when he is unwell
- You wake up with the same energy every morning to do your water bowls and sing your mantras
- You still think fondly but not sadly about the departed ones and what they brought into your life
- You feel happy yet embarrassed to receive presents and gifts all the time from your friends,     
   relatives, family members
- You drive back from work everyday to a warm, comfy and loving home
- A stranger following your blog tells you that he feels connected to you

My gratitude goes to the following persons for teaching me everyday about:

Friendship - Shaf
Generosity - Vimla
Not jumping to conclusions - Mike
Kindness - Simla
Integrity - Zulfi
Loyalty - Patrice
Setting high standards - William
Laughter - Momone
Wisdom - Tatiana
Opening up - Umar
Trust - Antish
Love - my family

A bend in the road

Everything has been beautifully dilapidated in my life, and adorably so, in the manner of a wise wrinkled heart. I love this feeling of breathing in the smell of old souvenirs, those same ones which used to hurt but now comfort me. 

At a bend in the road, a bunch of trees will emerge and behind them, the moonlight. My soul will decide to stop and wait for yours right there in the middle of this beautiful nowhere, knowing it will come along...eventually. It is a quiet road, as peaceful and protective as a shelter, one which leads to serenity and evokes respect as I tread upon its path. 

Just like in the deepest days of my childhood, marvelous shadows will dance under the moonlight. The night may keep in reserve its most intimate secrets but I have mine too. If my younger years have witnessed me wandering hopelessly at times, now that I am slowly aging, a carpet of green foam suddenly emerges out of nowhere to welcome my bold steps. Isn't it amazing how a bleaching life can speak such a wondrous language?