In a blink of an eye

I'm back. I'm married. I'm learning. I'm happy. 

A lot has happened in past five months. I've lived through several emotions. Loved them all. Also learnt a lot along the way. It all started on 29th September-2013 when I first met Preeti. 

I still remember that Sunday afternoon when we went to meet Preeti and her parents for the very first time. We were to meet around 6 in the evening. I was working very late the previous night so I was terribly sleepy while driving to the place. Yawns galore ! 

Mom was constantly telling me to stop being lazy and look alive. The prospects of getting bored during the conversation ahead was making me yawn even more but all's well that ends well. It was a lovely evening. 

We did meet a few more times after that during our courtship period. 

Just a FEW....

A few times at Akshardham, a few times at Metro walk, a few times during the weekends, a few times during festive celebrations like Dusshera, Diwali, Preeti's birthday, Christmas, New year, Valentine's day etc etc. 
Phew ;) 

28th Feb 2014, Sagan ceremony

I was confidently calm. 

Why wasn't I  nervous ? Why wasn't I anxious ? Why didn't I have cold feet ? Why was I feeling the way I did ?

I had the answers.. I knew her well.. She was my strength.

It was business as always. After taking bath and having morning breakfast I had to go with dad to Sagan and Cocktail Venue, check for the final preparations and make the payment. After that a ride to farmer's market to get fruit basket. Then to sweet shop for dry fruits and sweets. By the time we came back it was around 4 in afternoon. Sagan ceremony was to start at 7. 

I had no plans to go to Salon so I had ample time for my quick bath and a shave. I was ready on time and I was the first one to reach the venue from boy-side sharp at 7:20 pm with naniji. Dad reached a few minutes later. Preeti had also reached on time and was waiting in the brides room. We were both on time. 

I sat for a few minutes with naniji and then I looked around the hall to check if everything was in place. I requested for some changes in flower arrangement which was promptly attended to. After a while guests had started arriving. We had the tilak ceremony and it was time to bring the bride. 

Preeti was wearing a maroon saree. She looked beautiful and calm. The way she always does. 

And what followed was no surprise. The usual meet and greet with everyone, the photo session, the dance and the dinner. I was pleasantly surprised with the dance performances by Shruti, Hemita and the gang (Saurabh, Kritika, Shiwani, Deeksha, Vinny) and a very special performance by Prisha.

1st March 2014, Cocktail and Mehendi

This morning our home was filled with relatives. But business as always. A quick bath, breakfast and off to market for accessories with Shruti and Arti bhabhi. Then to the dry cleaner to collect the suits. Then to tent house with dad for booking tent for the sehra bandhi and to get some extra bedding for home. Then a visit to wedding venue with dad to finalize the assembling point of starting the baraat for the next day. By the time we reached back it was 5.  

I had no plans to go to Salon so I had ample time for my quick bath and a shave. I was ready on time and reached the venue sharp at 8:00 pm. What followed after that was no surprise.  The usual meet and greet, the mehendi, the photo session, the dance and the dinner. 

2nd March - 2014, Wedding day

Another beautiful morning. Another packed day. In first half of the day we had nav-graha puja and janehu ceremony. After that I was smeared in mehendi and then everyone went to temple for garhauli, dancing to the beat of the dhol. Meanwhile I waited at home and watched some news. 

I had no plans to go to Salon so I had ample time for my quick bath with gharauli water and a shave. All dressed up in my sherwani I was ready at 6:45 but it was another fifty minutes before Panditji called me for the sehra bandhi ceremony. I must have burnt a couple of hundred calories standing in the room. 

A quick visit to temple, the baraat and ribbon cutting  ceremony followed and next thing I know, I was on the grooms seat waiting for the bride. 

Like the sunshine at the break of dawn, like flowers covered with the morning mist, like echoes of music heard from distant temple bells, like an angel she came.  

She looked beautiful and calm. The way she always does.

I held her hand.. never to let go.

What followed after that was no surprise. The usual meet and greet, the photo session, the dance and the dinner.  After that we had all the wedding rituals, vidai from her home and a warm welcome into her new home. 

She is a part of our family. She always was and always will be.   

Gaurav weds Preeti

So very humbled by God's graciousness,
for bestowing upon us the gifts of love, respect and friendship.
Celebrating the union of two souls,
what lasts for a lifetime are blessings divine.

Stars

I heard some sounds, but there wasn't anyone around,
Just the vast open skies and stars burning bright.

Maybe, they wanted to say something,
Maybe, to share the secret of their light.

If they just burn forever to give you light,
whoever says stars are only in the sky !

Still

Time flies, never stops for anyone,
mere puppets we are tied to strings of time.
Still,
I wish it could freeze, for every second with you is a joy.

Space, the definition of infinite,
so far beyond human understanding, so much to explore and find.
Still,
I feel I've reached the edge, for life is simple with loved ones by your side

If this isn't love maybe I should apologize,
ain't no language, ain't no words, that would suffice.

Through all these years ..

Through all these years, I know, I've hurt you, given you tears sometimes,
but I won't say sorry, no I won't apologize,
cos' when souls are one, remorse reflects in the eyes.

Through all these years, I know, you've always loved me selflessly,
cared for me like a mother, prayed for me like a guardian,
But I wont say thanks, no I won't be grateful,
cos' angel that you are, my gratitude won't suffice.

If only stars were brighter; could they match up to glow of innocence in your eyes,
If only universe was bigger; could it encompass the compassion you hold inside,
If only oceans were deeper; could it measure up to your sacrifice,
If only words could express the love; I know I wouldn't do justice, even if I try.

Happy Birthday my little sister !

Thanks bro ..

Bro.. You've made my childhood memorable !

Remember all those ludo, snake and ladder sessions when we used to laugh our heart out .. seemingly over "seede chad gaya, utar gaya, chad gaya, utar gaya" .. made me realize that one doesn't need reasons to smile :)

And equally weird punishments for loosing a game. Remember stuffing yourself with chocolates, sweets, dry fruits, oranges and what not ! That too after a full three course dinner :)

Yaad hain ..those looooong video game sessions, our good old friends Mario and Contra.

Also, good old scoldings we used to get for wasting so much time and money ;)

Bro.. I so looked forward to play cricket with you, read comics with you, just talk to you and spend time with you ....

I know, childhood never returns back, but, the memories etched into my heart always keeps the child in me alive :)

Love you brother ! Always there for you ..

Wish you a very happy married life :)

Happy New Year

God is really kind.
Always taking care of my loved ones, showering blessings,
more than what are deservedly mine.

Another year gone by, would my gratitude suffice.
For last year brought a sweet addition to our family, someone we will cherish our entire life.

Lying

Another morning, another sunrise, I wake up with a smile,
getting ready for work, trying to catch up with time.
Just before breakfast I close my eyes, and pray,
god give her all the happiness, make her sorrows mine.

The busy afternoon arrives, mind occupied with work, never enough time,
All this while I just hope she had her meal on time.

I reach home late at night, trying to keep off the work aside,
We talk about the day, even the smallest of things are shared with joy,
We share a few laughs, lighter moments to rejoice.

And when it's time to say goodbye,

easily she says .. "All this while you were lying"

And I think to myself "If only words are enough .. can one lie"

I remember

I remember.

Those small hands, tiny little feet, walking slowly towards me,
With a wealth of innocence and compassion in your eyes, always wearing a sweet smile.
Whoever says, angels are for fairy-tales ?
You bring them to life.

I remember.

Those rakhi celebrations and bhai duj festivities,
So generous were you, with your blessings, so caring whilst sharing.
We pray to god in all humility, to bring you happiness beyond belief.

Now, my little sister,
You are going to brighten more lives,
We welcome them all with open arms and
Wishing you a joyous, happy and prosperous married life ! 

and then..

Its all still.
The flowers, the trees, the wind.
And then you smile, bring it all to life,
bestowing happiness on others, the morning sunrise.


Its infinite.
Often gazing at the night sky, an endless universe stares back at me,
compelling me to question the purpose of being.
And then I see in your eyes, a reflection of me,
shadows of doubts disappear, trust and sharing is what I need.