Kalyanam, Day 1 and 2!
"Why can't you put on a larger “bindi”?" is the first comment that I remember (courtesy my grandmother) when I dressed up for the "devak", the first marriage function! Till this day, I was strutting around in an old pair of 3/4ths and sleeveless t-shirts. And suddenly I was expected to be this shy, demure, about to be married girl. The one that wears wonderful silk saris, just smiles, doesn’t talk too much and looks beautiful.
Humph! (followed by a BIG pause) Shy! Demure! Beautiful! And me! Pick the one that doesn’t match within the group and that would HAVE to be me! Let me confess, I went in for a pedicure and manicure only because "Brat" did, and I dint want to feel left out! After all "I" was the bride! :)
We traveled to Chennai next day. As I spoke to Brat that night: "Hey marriage! That's it, huh! We're here! Do we want to really go through this????!!!!" About 35 of my relatives have traveled all the way from Bombay, for 24 hours in the scorching heat and here I was, wondering whether I could chicken out.
Just one night, just for a few hours, I thought about it! The next morning those thoughts were a distant dream, maybe, even a dream that didn’t take place. I knew I why I was there (also, I knew why my relatives were there :)).
More coming your way, later!
Two-to-tango !!!???? What??? Why???
The two questions that might pop-up on anybody who sees this blog. Let me try to explain why Prad and Brat named this blog "Two-to-tango".
It takes two to TANGO.
Tango is a kind of dance originated from Argentina.
Literal meaning of the phrase "It takes two-to-tango":
Certain activities cannot be performed alone such as
quarelling - which Prad and Brat never do (isnt that true Prad????)
dancing the tango - Prad, have we danced together on the tango tune?
starting a blog - Prad 'N Brat think they are too busy with lot of other things in "LIFE". It takes two to maintain a blog according to them.
I happened to be reading this blog about prayers at school and it gave me the incentive to post MY first blog.
Reminded me of the innumerable times I have said this pledge:
“India is my country.
All Indians are my brothers and sisters.
I love my country, and I am proud of its rich and varied heritage.
I shall always strive to be worthy of it.
I shall give my parents, teachers and all elders respect and treat everyone with courtesy.
To my country and my people, I pledge my devotion.
In their well being and prosperity alone lies my happiness.”
I still remember this giggle passing around the school assembly, at the statement "All Indians are my brothers and sisters (but ONE!)."
10 years have passed down the line, and I hope that I have not said the pledge mindlessly, every single day, for 12 years!
I am proud of my country and I strive to be worthy of it. I give my parents teachers and all elders respect and (try to) treat everyone with courtesy (I am guilty when I don't do that!).
"In the well being and prosperity of my country men alone lies my happiness". Hmm ……. I am not there yet. I have these fleeting thoughts of wanting to donate for
- Education of the poor
- The floods in Mumbai
- Tsunami relief
But my thoughts have never culminated with action!
With the grace of God, I have everything that makes ME happy. I would love to make a difference to someone back HOME!
