As far as I know, Papa always wanted a daughter, but instead, he got two sons. I don't know what Mummy wanted.

Last month, I was at Rajasthan, for my sister's (daughter of my father's elder brother) marriage. As per the traditions being followed by our family, we usually have pheres during the marriage. The pheres were at almost the lunch time. Everyone, close to the family, attends this. I was supposed to attend it too, but then, Vineet bhaiya, and I were given the responsibility of ensuring that the arrangements of the lunch being served, were very well managed. Hence, we had to move from the place, where the pheres were happening, and go towards the dining area.

When the pheres are in progress, it's the responsibility of the bride's parents to do the Kanyadaan and hand over the responsibility of their daughter to the bridegroom, and his family, asking them to take good care of their daughter. As per, what I've heard, Kanyadaan is supposed to be very auspicious, and the best thing that the parents of a daughter could get. I always felt bad that my parents would never get a chance to be a part of this tradition, as they have only sons, and not daughters.

But, at the end of the afternoon, when bhaiya and I were almost done with our work; Arpit informed me that Mummy-Papa had done didi's Kanyadaan. I was like.. Gosh! Kitni achchi baat hai... Kitna achcha hua...! I was almost speechless. I had tears in my eyes. My heart didn't know, how to react! Mujhe bahut khushi huyee, ek alag hi ehsaas tha. I tried to keep this with me, but couldn't keep it for a long time. Even now, when am drafting this post, I have some tears rolling down my cheeks. Sach mein, Papa ne sabke liye achcha kiya, aur finally 21st April, 2008 ko unke saath bhi achcha hua. I can't forget this day. It doesn't matter, even if I couldn't witness it, I will some day or the other, view the video recordings. Arpit, did show me some snaps which he had clicked. Bahut hi achcha laga.

I don't know who all contributed to it. But all I know is that, I would like to thank everyone in the family, by touching their feet, to think of it, take the initiative, and finally make it happen. And yes, it's Papa's 49th birthday today (28th May). What a gift the entire family has given him, this year! Dhok dekar ke, Happy Birthday, Papa.

Tags: family, memories, thanks, wishes
Current Mood: touched