It was a bright summer day in New York when I met Radha for the first time. Amidst all the energy and activity at Bryant Park that Friday afternoon, I was swept off my feet by the charm and simplicity of this beautiful woman. Dressed in a casual blue attire, there was something about her wit, her stories and her laughter that evoked a deep sense of familiarity… I had to meet this girl again! Weeks went by and friendly meetings turned into dates, attraction turned into love and Radha turned into “Bujji”! As I confessed my love to her one night, I knew in my heart that this was the woman I wanted to share my life with. Since then, we’ve had quite a journey together and in Radha, I found a committed partner who was a source of strength even in the most trying circumstances. Radha – not a single day has passed when I haven't admired your intelligence, your humility, your generosity and your grit. You’re my love, you’re my inspiration and soon enough, you’ll be my wife! As we embark on this exciting journey together, we’d love to have you join the celebrations and bless us and our families. Thank you for touching our lives and we hope to see you soon at the wedding!

The marriage of a son or daughter is an important milestone in the life of Indian parents. It becomes a major responsibility of parents to ensure their ward embarks on the sacred and worldly duties of matrimony. Having internalized such an ethic of responsibility, all Indian parents experience the joys of hope and also pangs of anxiety when their ward reaches marriageable age. As a parent, my story is no different. It’s a happy occasion with my son Kailash’s wedding around the corner to reflect on and articulate my own feelings and thoughts about this life-defining moment. Kailash has always answered to the description of an ideal son. Extremely creative with deep investments in art, music and education, he had performed exceedingly well in school and career. Proud as I was of his professional achievements, I was also a bit apprehensive about whether he would succeed in finding a right partner who would qualify as his better half. While my wife and I were convinced that we’d have to search for Kailash’s bride, we were pleasantly surprised when he told us in so many words that he has found the woman of his heart. Given my trust in his judgment and far-sightedness, I was more than willing to engage with Radha, his soulmate. I was quick to understand what must have drawn him irresistibly to Radha. Gentle and unobtrusive in her ways, Radha is vivacious, intelligent, understated and a fine blend of sense and sensibility. Her musical accomplishments (she is a trained Carnatic flautist just as Kailash is a trained Hindustani violinist) coupled with her excellent sense of humor must have sealed the bond. Was it love at first sight? Was it a deliberate move on their part to forge an alliance? I wouldn’t really know! What I know is that this is a marriage that is going to endure—a marriage of true minds—invested as it is in mutual respect, love and a strong sense of commitment.