The wedding.

It is a swamp. Why should it think all the time? It is very tough to battle one’s mind.

The dinner tables were filled with people, their talk, laughter, food and everything. People were surrounding the couple on the dance floor. Waiters dressed in black were going about their job. I was standing there wondering what to think. It was Arvind who noticed the look on my face, the one that drained all happiness from it. He came over to my side and told me to look at the bride.

‘Have you seen any bride this happy in life, with so much enthusiasm and laughter? This is the unforgiving minute Kipling was talking about. Be in this moment, enjoy this moment. It is yours..your sister’s..your family’s.’

I moved my head around to see her. It was that moment that affirmed my faith that life is made of great moments. The make-up on her face reflected the neon lights. Her upper front row teeth distinctly showed its half-white color, the same set of teeth she would chatter when she slept. Her right hand held the trail of her dress and the left was moving around. The frills of her hair fell on her exposed shoulders, the contrast of colors was stunning. Eyes are the index of a girl’s beauty. I saw hers, which was slightly moist and shining with happiness, expectation and joy. She was her happiest ever as far as I’ve seen her. I will remember that look for years to come. A vibrant face radiating with happiness. Who wouldn’t fall in love with her?

This was the girl with whom I had grown up all the childhood, shared dinner plates, played cards with, gone to school and fiercely fought with (still do). She has aged in front of my eyes and I’ve never seen her this way. It hit me hard. My sister is getting married and have I done enough for her? She was there in the arms of someone else. I thought maybe she is no longer ours or mine. But I knew her well not to admit that. A curious student, an inspiring leader, a committed professional, an active worker, a responsible daughter, a protective sister and an individualist. She has been everything. There are no doubts whatsoever that she will continue to be all of this and more. A good wife, a loving mother…..

I would never be able to estimate the impact she has had on my life. To sum it up in one line ‘All my good clothes have been picked by my sister’. She has given me more than any sister would give a brother not just money but ideas, values, morals and inspiration. As I saw her in that dress, in that place I prayed to God that she should get all the happiness that she deserves in life. As I see a lot of girls and women around, I don’t see anyone like her for far-far away. She is truly one of a kind.

Proud to be your brother. I know you might not be, but soon one day you will.

My Toast..