Stealing Emotions: Capturing Moments Amidst the Joy of a Wedding
Tis the season of weddings, and for us 90s kids, it’s a time filled with bustling preparations for sangeet ceremonies, the joy of siblings tying the knot, or perhaps even our own nuptials. I like to think of it as the season of ‘prem sambandh’ — a term that encapsulates the essence perfectly.
Amidst the myriad rituals, diverse roles and responsibilities, overwhelming emotions, and the careful safeguarding of possessions, there exist moments of respite and unbridled joy. Attempting to encapsulate these experiences, I embark on a unique journey of expression. This marks the first of its kind for me — delving into the intricacies of this celebratory season. I sincerely hope you find enjoyment in the narrative that unfolds.
./I had a heartwarming connection with my nephew during this wedding season when I met him for the first time. He affectionately calls me “bua didi.” Despite being just four and a half years old, he’s incredibly bright and full of enthusiasm. It felt like I shared a piece of my heart with him.
Every time he approached me, whispering, “Didi, Dimple has taken your phone. I will get it back for you,” my heart swelled with joy. These moments never failed to bring a smile to my face.e.
./Besides the DJ beats, dance, and music, one of the most significant positive changes for me was cutting down on my social media usage. I managed to slash my daily time from three hours to just 15 minutes. This felt like a major accomplishment, but what surprised me even more was that I found so much joy in being present in the moment that I didn’t feel the need to open Instagram or any other social platform for that matter.
It made me realize the beauty of focusing on the present ❤. Often, we’re preoccupied with the past and future, and we forget that we are currently in the midst of something that we might deeply cherish in the future.
./ As the day draws to a close, marked by the culmination of dancing and singing ritual songs, there’s a serene moment that follows. It’s when a single cup of chai, coffee, or milk brings an indescribable sense of peace. I eagerly anticipated that shared moment with three or four people, whether it involved preparing for the next day or engaging in a delightful gossip session.
./One of the heartwarming moments that brings a smile to my face is witnessing my parents or grandparents step onto the DJ floor. The beauty of their dance captivates, holding my attention so much that my eyes stay fixed for precious minutes. Like an enchanted child, I watch with an immense smile, completely forgetting to capture videos or pictures. These are the moments that transform into cherished memories long after the wedding festivities
./ When your sibling is getting married, it’s a remarkable shift from the usual memories of them being aggressive, rude, or annoying. Today, you witness a face adorned with a hint of blush and eyes brimming with an abundance of love. However, this transformation doesn’t come without its share of responsibilities. The true beauty unfolds in how they navigate these responsibilities with a warm heart and a gentle smile.
./ Cousins or nephews swagger into the house like a gang of entertainers, effortlessly taking control of the fun. The most cherished moments at home aren’t the grand events but the time spent with these lively relatives. In these instances, you find yourself dancing in PJs in the living room, indulging in Maggie at 4 in the afternoon, lounging on the bed while aunties croon cultural tunes, capturing a thousand selfies, playfully arguing over who gets to fill the water bottle, and so much more. These may seem trivial in the moment, even a bit annoying, but it’s the absence of these small, seemingly insignificant moments that leaves the house feeling empty later on, as their impact becomes truly evident.
./ The ultimate joy lies in the unstoppable adventure of shopping with your parents. What defined these shopping escapades for both me and my mom were the delightful pitstops at various places. Whether it was savoring street food at Chandni Chowk, relishing momos in GK, or enjoying chai at Khan Market, these culinary interludes added a unique flavor to our excursions. On visits to our hometown, amid exploring numerous shops, we took breaks for chai and chips, creating moments of relaxation. These are instances that may not always be verbally expressed but are forever held close to the heart.❤
./ Attending my brother’s engagement was an emotional whirlwind, unleashing a storm of feelings within me. The moment I laid eyes on my brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law, an overwhelming wave of happiness brought tears to my eyes. Some emotions defy expression, whether through words or actions; instead, they manifest in the rare and beautiful form of tears. My mom noticed my reaction, and with a knowing look, I gathered myself to fully immerse in and savor the joyous moment. It made me realize the depth of my sensitivity to life-changing events, even when I try to conceal my feelings.
./ Suddenly, you witness a delightful shift in your sibling’s behavior towards their partner, and it hits you — oh no! It’s finally happening. That moment of joy and realization dawns upon you, signaling that ‘hum bade ho rhe hai”.
./ Is it just me, or does it always seem like no matter how many pictures we capture in a moment, it somehow feels insufficient afterward? Similarly, no matter how much effort we invest in catering to the needs of our relatives or friends, there’s often a subtle expression suggesting something is lacking — be it in terms of roti, chai, attention, appreciation, or even one less dance on the DJ floor. The list seems endless, and I sincerely hope that the parents of soon-to-be-married couples can rise above such trivialities and focus on the essence of the celebration.
Weddings are truly unique events. Despite receiving multiple invitations every year to attend weddings of friends and relatives, the experience takes on a whole new dimension when it’s your own house hosting the celebration. You get to witness and embrace all the vibrant hues of a wedding. The sheer joy of having cousins, relatives, aunties, and uncles gather under one roof to celebrate the new beginning of your sibling makes you realize that the true essence of a wedding lies in the shared happiness of family and friends.
My favourite moment was the entire event which made all of us smile, moments becoming memories, and had multiple occasion to share a laugh with folks in room.
Uniting two love birds in a beautiful ritual is a joyous occasion. My hope is that our celebration of love extends far beyond the wedding day. May the festivities persist in the lives of the couple, creating a continuous celebration of their love story.
Please share your memorable moment from your sibling or cousin’s wedding. Looking forward to reading it. Love and Light to everyone who is reading this ❤ . Stay warm!
