21st February 2006//

The atmosphere is gold. The hotel lawn is bathed in gold, there are lots of marigold flowers in the dozens of basket. Different lighting strings have been brought in the hotel. Soon the building will be draped in innumerable lights. The guests are coming and are busy with the sweets offered.

The lights around are gleaming and have lit up the entire place. The wedding planners have fixed the gold and orange theme for the wedding. The entire lawn has been decorated and draped with the beauty of flowers and gifts. There are linings of silk with exquisite glitter and lace all over. The mandap has been placed in the centre of the lawn and designed with the rich flowers. The other side, has the stage and has the lighting and camera accessories for the photographs with the guests. The stage has the back wall with our names highlighted and bold. The air itself exhales so much love for us to breathe.

My cousins have come and are constantly teasing me over Riya. They are all excited, and have got mehendi (design from henna)  over their palms. My phone beeps and they are all ears to my conversation. There  are lightmen, photographers, wedding planners, waiters all running with their jobs, just to make our wedding a grand occasion. Yes it is my wedding with love of my life. The mandap is being set, chairs are being placed for the guests out there. My parents are running from one corner to another to place everything in place. Tomorrow is the big day for US.

I open the envelope. The card inside, is beautifully designed ,and her name with me makes it eternal.

                           "Rahul
                            Weds
                             Riya"...

I skip my heartbeat. It strikes suddenly! I still remember the day I proposed her!