Part 2, final – Re-living Sneha’s marriage

Uma-Ramani seldom fail to fulfil their familial or social obligations. They were there right from the word go. Ramani even offered his services to be part of the team to receive various Ahmedabad groups at the airport and drop them at the hotel. But the Event Management firm took care of that. It was very nice of Poornima, Sanjeev, his mother, and Keshav to have made it for the function. 

Chandra and Chandru are back to their happy selves. At each get-together we are delighted to see a more and more cheerful Chandra. It was nice that Rati and Veda made it. Although mother of 6-year old Veda, we are unable to visualize Rati beyond her child-like face. Too bad, Vineet, Pallavi and children could not make it, much against their wishes. 

Kannan and Chitra’s entry seemed more like the good old days’ Dev Anand and Waheeda Rahman. Sporting an off-white jacket with buttons open, Kannan refuses to grow old, as I overheard someone telling him. Chitra made her moves to attract the minimum of attention, donning out of the ordinary, simple but elegant sarees. One of the chief attractions of the wedding was Vinayak making it. So nice of him. Each time I see him, I involuntarily ask him, “Now what is your height.” This time he was blunt: “Athimbar, I am way past my age to gain more height. It is 6.1 now, and for all times to come.” The darling of the crowd.

That round up takes me back to Shanthy and family, once again. I admired Pooja dancing in merriment despite physical restrictions. Shekar too made some movements synching with the beats, though he chose to be behind. Sandeep gave a good account of himself. It was nice of his doctor parents to have set aside some time to attend this marriage amidst their commitments both at the clinic and hospital in Coimbatore.

Equally so, we were delighted to see Shekar’s sisters and their families, as also Rajan and family to be fully involved in the proceedings. The only grouse, if any, would be that Shri Ganesh, a professional singer who specializes in the 1950s to the 1970s songs of Kishore, Rafi, Manna Dey, Hemant Kumar and Mahendra Kapoor, could not entertain  - nay, enthral - us with his renderings. He did it for Pooja’s marriage. Therefore, Sneha can justifiably feel a little unhappy on that score. But then, circumstances conspire to provide or deny such opportunities – it is not his making, perhaps. 

This piece would be incomplete without a word or two about Priyal family. Priyal, the bridegroom is such a lovable boy. His father, the 6’2 or 3’ tall in one solid piece, probably believes in Speak Not unless absolutely necessary. But when he speaks he does so with care and respect. Priyal’s mother, Pooja (for clarity I shall call her Pooja Senior, just to distinguish her from our Pooja) is humility incarnate. The way she was in tears during the Maangalya Dharanam ceremony was reflective of her innocent heart. The rest of the members too were of an amiable disposition, having made it to Bangalore with a one-point programme – to entertain and be entertained. 

Starting from the Mehndi ceremony-lunch, to evening snacks to a lavish dinner spread across the entire lawn what with Starters row, an assortment of juice row, half a mile row of main food items, and enticing line up of mouth-watering sweets. VB Caterers deserve full credit for living up to their promise. Not just that. They provided some complimentary breakfast and other items too – unannounced. “How come,” we asked. “Sir, you must have woken up as early as 5 or 5.30 to reach the venue for preparations, and we can’t serve you just a cup of coffee. Just a goodwill gesture, sir,” he reassured me. 

Equally so, our tried and trusted Chandrashekar of Malleswaram, did an outstanding job on the Muhurta chaappaad. Kudos to Shanthy, Pooja, Sandeep… for selecting the menu, and no less to Chandrashekar & Co for leaving nothing to be desired in terms of taste, neatness, liberal serving, and politeness.

What next, one might wonder. To get ready to celebrate Christmas and New Year? No. To head for Ahmedabad where Priyal’s parents are organizing an equally gala function. Meanwhile we extend the newlyweds a very, very happy and joyous life.