21 years

11th May, 1994, it was a Wednesday. I woke up a little early that morning, got quickly dressed in a simple green coloured cotton saree that I  had purchased for the occasion, applied a light foundation and lipstick, slipped into my sandals and I was ready for the most important event of my life. It was my wedding day. I still have the clothes that we wore though there is no way I can fit myself into that blouse and Tarique in his size 38 shirt ever again.

10 AM. I was ready, the household wasn’t. 10.30 AM, I started pacing up and down, I can’t be late, surely not today. But that was not to be. For the appointed time of 11 AM. I reached the district court at 11.45 and guess who was there pacing up and down, somewhat anxious, somewhat angry, wondering how long to wait. He would have left for my place (to check if I was ok) had he not been with his father. “Have patience, such things take time” His father had told him.

I ran towards the registrar office, glad that I wasn’t looking like a typical Indian Bride. Saw him from a distance, and my heart skipped a beat as I looked at him. He was wearing the white shirt with pink pin stripes and a grey trouser.

12 Noon, we signed on the register and he slipped a ring on my finger. 21 Years back.

There are no photographs of our wedding day so here’s one that was clicked a few months after. This is the first photograph of us together.