Vinita and I go way back.
Both were on the HBS track.
Together both of us did enter
The board of the India Research Centre.
As an honoured guest I was sent
To a distinguished Alumnus event.
So I flew from Coast to Coast
Vinita was the perfect host.
We put on a poetic show.
Their family, I got to know.
And then as a special treat
She took me to her hill retreat.
Walking in the hills was great.
I really loved her tea estate.
When Rati and I were Kolkata bound
Vinita showed us all around.
The pandemic then kept us apart.
But the family was always in our heart.
An invitation then came our way
For a wedding on Republic Day.
Anywhere we would surely go
For this family, as you well know.
But Goan susegad is a delight.
The beaches are a pretty sight.
The swimming conditions are just right.
So soon we were on the flight!
We arrived on the second day.
To our room, we were on the way.
We met the Kauls and the Mehtas,
Real Kolkatan trend settters.
Then we freshened up and went to see
The ongoing festivity.
The Mehndi was about to end.
A lively singer set the trend.
Though I felt quite unsure,
I bravely took to the floor.
I’m sure the audience was regaled
As my arms swayed and flailed.
The river was a pretty sight,
The Marwari food a true delight.
After a swim and a snooze
It was time for festivity and booze.
We arrived and took a seat.
The Sangeet had such a lively beat.
Among the guests we could see
Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
I happened to have an adjacent seat
So I could see many meet and greet.
This was a very special treat
While we enjoyed the Sangeet.
Vinita danced with great grace!
Sanjay kept up a lively pace.
The young couple filled us with delight.
Their dancing was a wondrous sight.
Abhyuday as his name implies
Will always be on the rise.
He’s full of fun but sage and wise.
To please us all, he always tries.
And Ayushi’s a kindred spirit.
Both full of fun and full of wit.
According to Abhyuday’s mother,
This couple was made for each other.
What we all find truly great-
They share many a common trait.
They even share a Zodiac sign.
As Capricorns they both align.
And another unusual trait-
On special days they celebrate
Their Birthdays. What a way!
For Abhyuday, it’s Christmas Day.
It’s New Year’s Eve for Ayushi.
Such special days, as you can see!
This is by chance, providentially,
But then for their anniversary
Naturally they purposely chose
Another date that’s rather close.
Republic Day does come to mind
And that’s when all of us would find
Ourselves for the wedding festivity
Between the river and the sea
In the sylvan setting of the St. Regis,
Quite clearly under divine aegis.
Larks like me may scowl and howl,
But each of them is a night owl.
As workaholics they never shirk
They put their all into their work.
That indeed is a trump card.
First hard work then party hard!
And guests like us always gain.
These perfect hosts can entertain.
And Ayushi checked each detail
And smoothly therefore we could sail!
Both families did travel far
To Nepal and to Kolkata.
But yet when all is said and done
The ancestral home is just one
Fatehpur in Rajasthan, you see,
For both Abhyuday and Ayushi.
So aptly named, verily,
For Love’s triumph and victory!
We woke up early on Republic Day
After yoga and swim, we were on our way.
The Haldi ceremony was a treat.
Bride and groom had their own seat.
While decked out in orange and yellow
We were relaxed and feeling mellow.
Upon bride and groom, we all fawned.
With various spices they were adorned.
Could immune boosting be the point?
Why else with spices, would we anoint?
My theory didn’t hold much sway
With our dear friend, Sanjay.
In Rajasthan in the days of yore
Mere children were married, none were sure,
If unaided they could even survive.
Let alone grow and thrive.
The spices were a healthy boost.
But while they sat on their roost
The spices served as a mark.
A fellow feeling it could spark
Throughout the local community.
Constant protection, they would then see.
In modern times too they’ll have an edge
As all us guests will also pledge
Our troth to Ayushi and Abhyuday
As they proceed on their life’s way!
And I of course was totally sold
As Sanjay’s myth did unfold!
Soon thereafter we were heading
For the Baraat and the wedding!
Safas were tied for either side
White for groom and pink for bride
Abhyuday then did succeed
In mounting his majestic steed.
It was as white as driven snow,
Indeed it was a princely show.
The Baraat then set out for the beach
And ultimately they did reach.
The Sun’s red orb was about to set
Just where the sea and sky both met.
It was indeed a beautiful scene.
And I’m sure their sacred vows will mean
That much more, throughout their lives,
Much more than other husbands and wives!
Husbands and wives have their ways.
We have all heard the sad clichés.
There will be trials and tribulations
But many more joys and elations.
And whenever it is sought
They’ll have unwavering support.
Their life together will be grand
As they both travel hand in hand.
