So, it was my 25th anniversary on 18th November, and whoever knew me closely was aware I had been looking forward to this day so eagerly. Suyash and I had shortlisted venues, had a couple of artists in mind who we wanted to perform, a guest list had been made, and a brief meeting with the hotel people was also done, where our outstation guests would be staying. But I think most of us go through this in life, what we think and plan, at times don’t happen, like they say, “man proposes, god disposes”.
Whatever we had in mind, for the time being, was stalled or postponed. But 25 years is a special milestone, and I had a few friends and relatives saying, don’t let it go like this, do try to do something at least. But again, what one goes through, one can only understand, and I was not able to make them understand my situation. So, what we planned did not happen, but it’s never that God does not think of you. He has always has a light shining at the end of the tunnel, we just have to go with his plan of things…again, as they say, “go with the flow”.
First, Nishthha and Mahima invited us for a dinner, stating that they want to celebrate our 10 days to go on 8th November. And after a couple of days, Amit bhaiya and Deeksha invited us to bring in our anniversary on the 17th. Of course, we were happy and were feeling very grateful and blessed. But what was in store for us was unimaginable and left us amazed forever. Let me start with the first party, we reached Mahima’s place and good lord, they had a backdrop prepared with beautiful flowers and “Happy 25th Su+Raj” written in LED lights. Before we could take this in the terrace had a wall dedicated to our pictures. Oh, and I forgot it was not a dinner, it was a close-knit party. They had called 6-8 more friends. So, started the chit chat, clinking of glasses, and there was also a live singer who mesmerised us all with his beautiful voice and romantic songs. We danced on the soft numbers. It was such a happy ambience. And it was time for cake cutting. Before the cake cutting, we were handed a gift which we were asked to unwrap there and then. We were touched. It was a scrapbook which had messages from our dear ones, starting with Harshiv and Vayun and my school friends and my mama and mami and my close friends here. I never expected anything like this. Both of us were teary, tears of love and joy and of gratitude. I think we were kind of not prepared for this love and care. And this was followed by lots of hugs, a delicious dinner. We brought back memories that we will cherish forever.
Post this dinner cum party, we were all the more looking forward to Amit Bhaiya’s invite. Now we also had an idea that this may also be more than just a dinner, but full-on celebrations with more friends, and we also got feelers that Sharad bhaiya may also be there. But again, I was also wondering, what is about to come up? We already had a beautiful celebration on the 8th, what more could be done…? Well, I was mistaken, and I’m happy about it, because we were left speechless, in awe, and in love with our friends on the 17th. Right from the food, the decor, and a few surprises planned for us were awesome. A small questionnaire round was planned for us, for which we were asked to give quirky answers. I am glad to share that I won this game as Suyash, for the first time, was shy to answer. Everybody was talking something or the other; there were smiles and laughter around. And then came the announcement that everybody should concentrate on the screen they had put up. Forgot to mention Sharad bhaiya after all did come down from Mumbai to be part of our special day. Now played a video which had pictures that I later came to know Suyash provided. There were pictures from childhood to marriage with a story woven along, which Sharad bhaiya narrated himself. We enjoyed every bit of it, and could not help laughing out loud. Now what more…? Deeksha had put a beautiful flower decoration with our caricature on display. We were asked to stand there and read out our vows and exchange rings. Here I want to take a moment to share one more thing. I had mentioned that I was eagerly waiting for my 25th for so long, and for that I had a wish that Suyash and I are on a sea beach where Amit bhaiya asks us “do we take each other as partners..?” and we say “I Do”, I can’t thank Deeksha enough for remembering this and for making my dream come true. There were photographs taken, and we cut a cake and were asked again to focus on the screen. My god, once again we were floored, there was a movie played which had video messages from Harshiv, Vayun and our friends and mama and mami. What was special was that these same set of people wished us through the scrapbook Mahima and Nishthha had gifted, but here the messages were different or sounded absolutely new. Each message was special, but Deeksha, Amit bhaiya and Sharad bhaiya’s and Harshiv’s and Vayun’s touched our hearts to the core. Engulfed my emotions, we both were at a loss for words. And with more chatters and hugs and thank yous, the day came to an end.
I will be forever grateful for these two days. I will cherish them always. Both parties were special, and it is such a great feeling to know that you are loved and cared for. Our hearts are full. There was nothing that could have been done in a better way. Their love took the form of those celebrations, and I will always feel overwhelmed when I think of it.
The next day, which was our anniversary, zoomed through with so many phone calls, wishes and blessings pouring from relatives and friends. Another surprise was in store, Amit and Deeksha gifted us with an album full of memories, all our life kind of enclosed in it…so loved it. But the finale to the beautiful milestone came with a quiet dinner with our besties and endless and non-stop chit chat, sharing of views and thoughts. Gratitude and more gratitude.