We are Engaged! Part IV: The Finale

Ok so let me continue from where I left off in Part III. Introductions were completed and everyone sat down, including those at the head table (Rajesh, Neeraj’s friend, my parents, my bhayia, and Neeraj and myself).

Now Bhayia took over the MCing (Master of Ceremonies) from my cousins, and we started the festivities. First was going to be a small prayer (a few shloks) from Nalini Aunty, Mumma’s friend from Chicago. Then we were going to have Neeraj’s two friends say a few words on his behalf and two of my friends say something on my behalf. First was Rajesh, Neeraj’s friend from his hometown as well as IIT.

Rajesh had traveled from NY to be with us on this special day. Neeraj and I both keep in contact with him and since the past year have become very close to him. That is one of the reasons that we had him sit on the head table because he knew us both very well. He said some very touching points about his friendship with Neeraj and now with me as well. It was very sweet and to the point.

Next was Neeraj’s college friend, Gourav. Gourav also traveled from NY where he is working to be with us. Two other friends, Mukesh and Rajat, were also present but they chose Gourav to speak on behalf of their friends. Gourav began saying that he really loved this atmosphere and didn’t expect it in the US. He didn’t feel that he was in the US with the wonderful Indian ambience that was there. He has known Neeraj for 6-7 years and spoke about their friendship. It was really nice.

Now it was my side’s turn, and the first to speak was Beth. Beth and I go back to 1st grade, and today we are as close or closer as we were back in that time. She spoke of the time when she had first heard about Neeraj back in 2001, just when he and I become very serious about each other. She also said some very sweet and memorable things that brought a tear to my eye. Don’t worry, only joyful tears.

Lastly to speak on behalf of our friends was Diane, my friend from kindergarten. She recently got married two years ago, and I was a bridesmaid in her wedding. She decided that she would give some wedded bliss advice. She talked about the first time that she had come over to my home back when we were in kindergarten, and I didn’t know how to speak English but we still had an enjoyable time playing. Since then we have connected — and have remained very close friends.

Now my parents said a few words. My papa said some very emotional things but also welcomed Neeraj into the family. He thanked everyone for being a part of this special day. Once he was done, it was our turn to speak. I had told Neeraj to prepare something, but he hadn’t done it. We talked about the main points that we wanted to talk about, and so he started by thanking everyone, and then talked about his experience (how he likes it here), and appreciating that my parents have given him such a warm welcome into the family. Very sweet.

When this was done, we were now ready to exchange the rings. First we prayed to Lord Ganesha and thanking Him for providing us with this special moment in our lives. Then we exchanged the rings, first Neeraj, then myself. It was great! Absolutely wonderful moment with both of our faces gleaming!!!!

We then asked for blessings from all of the elders in my family, starting with Bade Thoujee, then thoujee and taijee, both of my buas, and then my chachas/chachis, and elder bhayia/bhabhi.

Finally ready to cut the cake. Boy did it look yummy!!! On it said: Happy Engagement Neeraj and Poonam! It was wonderful!! So we cut the cake.

Now we were going to have three different performances: first my cousins performed a fabulous dance on different Hindi songs. Then Diane and Beth played my favorite classical piece, Spring by Vivaldi, on their viola and violin respectively. It was beautiful! Then lastly our family friends Rajiv and Lopa performed a dance on Mehndi Lagaa ke Rakhna from DDLJ. With a surprise, Lopa roped in Bhayia for Aaj hai saigai sun ladki ke bhai zara naach ke humko dikhaa. Beautifully done! Very memorable!!

Lastly we were ready for dinner. So Bhayia started calling out tables for dinner. What did we have for dinner?

Here’s the menu:

Appetizers: Fruit Tray, Vegetable Tray, mini kachoris, chips and salsa

Main Course: Vegetable Spring Rolls
Mattar Paneer
Lentil Dal
Chole
Penne Pasta and Marinara Sauce
Salad with all types of dressings
Raita
Naan
Aachaar

There might have been one more thing, but that’s all I remember. Then for desserts were all types of Indian sweets such as Burfi, Laddoo, Rasgullas, etc… You name it, we had it. We also had vanilla ice cream for everyone + cake. Neeraj and I hardly ate, so there is definitely a possibility that we missed to mention something for the menu. We were taking photos with all of the tables during dinner so by the time we had the chance, the food was pretty cold. No worries. We had fun!

Have I made your mouth water enough??

Lastly we danced. Danced to the Nonstop Dance Music that Neeraj and I made using the MixMeister Express software. It was a hit!!!

That was the engagement party!!! The most memorable night of my entire life. The day that Neeraj and I have waited for five years. The day we will cherish forever. It was amazing!

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.