Milan+Reshma+Wedding

For the impatient: Pictures

It's 4:00am, I'm on a couch in Palo Alto, CA. Ryan comments that the alarm on my phone did indeed wake us up. I think I remember why he's there. The alarm is silenced; I shower then shave and don a mango colored polo. God, I love mangoes. I'm in a rental car, then on a plane. The world dims.

A speaker crackles and I am welcomed to Chicago by a Chicago-based crew that is clearly happy to be home. Mom and Dad pick me up and we're heading back to headquarters for Milan and Reshma's Wedding!

Entering a room, I find myself in the middle of a reunion extravaganza. While I'm not shocked by the guest list, or by the poker game, I am caught off-guard by Mansi's mischievous grin and the sight of Vilasfoi walking around brings a big smile to my face. Shivani cleans up the poker table, basically because that's what she does.

Guru, Shalin and I get dressed out for the Garba and come down to the lobby. Compliments fly around the room as the men recognize each other's impeccable taste (i.e. we were all wearing identical clothing). Chetanbhai calls dibbs on the tabla and I realize that if we were indeed a band, that would have been my choice of instrument.

The buffet is attacked, but we avoid a bee attack by recognizing the bee hive harbored by the most convenient patio table. The freshest watermelon juice and some sweet, sweet mango juice are making the rounds, as is a mix of Chinese, Italian and Mexican food. The garba starts. False alarm. Then the garba starts. False alarm, again. Finally, we hear the familiar heart-lifting beats of the dhol, accompanying a classic garbo. We collect as many of the men as we can in a hope to make a smashing entrance in our dashing threads. No such luck. Round and round we go, the beat gets faster, the dancers are dizzier and everybody's having a blast. I'm introduced to an old friend that claims I've managed to maintain the same distinctive look for almost two decades. Who am I to argue with this?

We collapse into chairs as the music dies down and half-jokingly (but half-seriously) resolve to make camp in the conference room itself; we're that tired. Somehow we manage to get back to our rooms, change and return to the lobby in order to celebrate Paragibhabi's birthday! We pre-party with Ho-Ho's, Dorito's and ice cream while we wait for the birthday girl to come down. The song is sung, the candles are blown out and the cake is thoroughly enjoyed. And then suddenly, right as we thought we might get back to our beds, it happens. Just like that, the Papa John's delivery dude is standing in our midst, having just delivered a pizza; but not to us. We beg him to go back for another, he says they are closed. A bribe of Ho-Ho's and Doritos is offered; no dice. Finally, cash-money is promised and he agrees to make a final late-night delivery. We pass the time with teen-pati (Indian Poker) and recipe swapping (falafel). Post-pizza, we head to bed.

It's morning; Shalin is still re-typing a paper lost to the mysteries of the personal computer. We shower and dress and head out the parking lot. There, in a carriage pulled by a white steed, is the groom sporting styling shades. Ahead of the horse is large crowd dancing to the beats of the mobile DJ. We dance under the lens of the largest photographer in history, who, in turn, stands under a high-rolling sun; it being possibly only inches from his head. As we approach the hall, the intensity increases and Milan joins his entourage. After one more garbo, we are ready to be received.

Reshma's mother starts the welcoming process; we succeed in protecting Milan's nose, shoes, and pride. Once seated, we await Reshma's arrival. She is more gorgeous than before. The ceremony continues; we rain flower petals on the bride and groom as they circle the fire. Reshma sits down ages before Milan. Milan grabs Reshma's mom's sari ... now, he has no clue what to do. He is satisfied with more food, he's Milan; what can you say? Lunch is tasty; I collect everybody's Andes mints like it's my job. I then taunt Dhaval, Neha, Nikki, and Amy like it's my part-time job.

It then becomes perfectly clear it's time to go bowling. Today's game is all about experimentation; spinning the ball is far more entertaining. Aurelios's Pizza on the return trip? Of course! The first signs of running on empty become apparent.

We make it back in just enough time to get ready for the Reception. The ice sculpture, portrait of the Bride and Groom sit next to the card table. The newest married couple is making the rounds stunning the crowed with their good looks. We find our seats and the program is started. We are treated to a trio of dances; including one from Shivani and a surprise number from Dhaval and Neha. A twig breaks and ignites as it falls into a candle. A buddy of Milan tells the story of their friendship, Reshma's friends offer the bride and groom survival kits to help each other cope with their new lives, Susanben's tears join the party as she explains her relationship with Milan and Reshma, and the bride and groom's parents take turns sharing what it means to share such a bond. Several choice quotes were delivered, but I can't seems to remember them right now.

Amazing food is served, a photo-slide show continues to play on the plasma screens, amazing food is devoured, and another twig ignites as it falls into a candle. I visit with Milan and Reshma mid-meal and they're having a blast up at table #1. The bride and groom dance their first dance to UB40's cover of the Elvis Pressley classic, "I can't help falling in love with you". The DJ takes over from there and we have a party going in no time. During a small stretch of hip-hop, I may have "busted out", children ask me for an encore; I am embarrassed.

Again the music dies down, guests say good bye and the kids begin to coral one another. We agree on a poker game (surprise!). Again, fueled by Ho-Ho's and Dorito's, we set the midnight oil ablaze. I play well, but not superbly. I continue to learn things about myself and others from this wondrous game. We say good bye to those who will be leaving early and we retire to our rooms.

It's 4:00am, I'm on a bed in Chicago, IL. The world dims. The morning brings a fresh round of good bye's, a trip to the 'burbs to meet more friends of yore, and a trip back to Devon Street (Ave?). Who do we find at airport security checkpoint at Midway? Everybody :-) We chow down on Pot-Belly sandwiches and say our actual, final good-bye's. We're on a plane, in our car, and then in our own beds. A fantastic weekend is concluded.

Congratulations to Milan and Reshma!!

Choice quotes:

• Some people think marriage is a word, it's actually a sentence...
• I never thought he'd grow up to be an adult
• Finally, our side of the family has earned its keep