Arjarapu

Whenever a desi goes their homeland, first thing they might do is shop for garments / cloth material. Not to mention that I am committed right now, my family members would make me buy even if I insist. Well, I am not a fool to say no when I get better quality of material for way less price compared to what I get in NJ.

I came to know the amount we spent on dressings alone is 50% of marriage costs. At first, I thought that prices could be too high. However, later I came to know that .. on marriage occasion, we need to purchase clothes for all the couples from Mom's & Dad's siblings and their spouse as well. Intrigued? Yeah me too. No wonder it costs that much. On top that for my elder brother's marriage, I also came to know that my dad bought travel tickets for all the relatives. ufff ... I don't know whom to call crazy.

Finally the day has come and our family was invited to in-laws house for engagement ceremony. The video & photo graphers got everything covered starting from my step one out of the car. The pandit kept the ball rolling while spelling some Sanskrit mantras that, except for few, no body understood. The most frustrating part is sitting with Apurva & her parents on a low chair (pee-Tha) that hardly accommodates 3.

Pandit started working on 'Lagna Patrika', where he wrote in applicable honor in front of my last name. So, dad took things in hands and started writing. Funniest thing is he got everything right except for my name, not once but twice. Well, finally he stroke off and re-wrote the name again.

After Apurva has chosen her saris, we went to near by Taj Mahal restaurant to chat for a while. We had wonderful time discussing while having ice cream. We didn't know what's happening around as we are deeply involved in our own world with sweet discussions. I liked the way she looked into my eyes while speaking with me. I also appreciated her while 'seeking my opinion on her dressing choice', clearly illustrates that she is inclined to do what I say. Later, I also came to know that my response, 'wear what you like', did bowled her out.

Either we liked each other and have been talking for l

My mom wants to purchase couple of saris for Apurva. So, we thought of meeting Apurva and her parents at Chandana Brothers show room. While myself, dad, brother and father-in-law started to talk, my mom, vodina and mother-in-laws started shopping. Apurva is obviously confused as this is first time she came out shop for herself. Until then someone has shopped for her and said - 'Take this. I got this one for you'.

Rather than asking what she likes more, members from either of the families were recommending what they like. She asked me to select sari for her. Unfortunately, I never shopped saris before I am the wrong person to ask.

I told about my unofficial commitment only to my best friend, Subramanyam Titti. He is such a nice guy and has been my friend since my 6th grade. Well, I couldn't think of any better option but to ring up my friend to understand what he talks with his fiancé for hours over phone.

Subramanyam didn't stop laughing when I told that my earlier chat with Apurva last for 20 min. long as his talks for more than 2 hours over phone to his fiancé. He didn't feel it's the same 'Shyam' that he knows. Can't help if he thought me to be a hustler, but good thing he did is - he helped me find myself back.