When we moved into this apartment 24 years ago, my little neighbor was in kindergarten. His grandmother was his only companion the whole day until his parents returned from work. Whenever our door was open, he was more than happy to have some company. His grandmother too exchanged pleasantries across our doors.
Times passed by and couple of years down the line our daughter made her entry in our lives. We parents began leaning on each other for advice and support while the children grew alongside. Our daughter is now almost seventeen and my ‘little neighbor’ in his late twenties, is a newly married guy as of 19th January 2013.
Over the years, we have bonded so well that, his wedding was almost like my son’s wedding in the neighbors’ house. We were part of all the prenuptial ceremonies that began a week before the actual wedding.
The couple was engaged for eight months, so preparations were on since then. Their relatives living abroad and out of town took leave from work and their kids’ schools to witness the occasion. The wedding house and ours was closed only at night. Can you imagine the fun and camaraderie?
Being Hindus, their rituals and ceremonies were a unique experience for us. We felt a part of their family. In one of the ceremonies, a particular ritual was performed on seven especially chosen women and I was one of the privileged seven. After the ceremony, I joked with my husband that, never in my life was I ever honored as on that day. I just couldn’t get over the fact that as a part of that ritual, my feet were bathed in milk. Ah! Now I don’t feel like washing my feet with water. LOL.
Professional henna artists were hired to decorate my daughter’s and my palms along with all the other women in their family.
I have a picture of this design on our palm. Such intricate work!
I’m looking forward to many more good years of neighborly love especially with the new daughter-in-law on the floor.
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I’ve become conscious about my ‘perfect moments’ since I came across Lori’s site lavenderluz.com in December 2012. I’m finding more perfect moments now than ever before.
Thanks Lori, for this great opportunity to share our perfect moments.
Everybody is welcome to join!