My first day in Ranchi as Mrs. Singh began with the Satyanarayan pooja and ended on a yummy note with the special panchamrat. I and Sachin were given the most comfortable room of the house. Where, I was supposed to spend the rest of my week. First two days were spent in meeting all the relatives and neighbors.
- My daily routine was as follows:
- Try getting up early…get up late.
- Freshen up and wear a brand new Sari.
- Wear all the possible jewelry.
- Sit like a shy bride.
Not being used to covering my head, I had a tough time. The good part was that I was treated like a princess. I never had to do anythingJ. I enjoyed it for a day or but after that a while became quite stifling. My sister-in laws and brother in-laws were my saviors. Not to forget their adorable kids, who accompanied me during the stay. If it wasn’t for the lovely of family, Sachin would have lost his bride, thanks to the killer confinement.
I wasn’t supposed to move around the 3 floored mansions. The only time I could use an excuse to move out was when my nephew wanted to go out. Like a dutiful aunt I used to accompany him and play in the garden; an excuse to get some air.
Coming to the most eerie par t of the trip was a unique dinner I attended.
Our neighbors invited us for a dinner. So, I immediately got dressed in my best sari and loaded myself with all the possible jewelry. I covered my head and we all walked towards the mansion. After entering the house I conveyed my regards to the couple. I was briskly taken to a room, where, I spent the rest of my evening!!! My sis in law was there to keep me company. After seeing some photo albums, whiling away some time, a platter overflowing with ‘n’ dishes, arrived. I devoured each bite. The hostess had prepared all the dishes on her own and they were heavenly!!! There is something about north Indian food cooked by a north Indian, in any part of north India J. As I was about to finish my dinner, my companions were asked to move to the dinner table. There I was, left alone in the room with nothing to do!! While the men chatted and the women enjoyed the meal, I sat cautiously managing my pallu (making sure it doesn’t fall) what if some ancestral ghost was watching!!! I was very uncomfortable and annoyed.
To respect someone is one thing but to be treated like that for the sake of “respect” is humiliating. Can you imagine going to someone’s house and made to sit in a room alone for 3-4 hours ?
Finally after most of the members were done with the dinner, my knight in shining armor sensed my discomfort. He took me home. While going the hostess was generous enough to present me with an expensive gift.
Remaining days were tad relaxed. After all the guests staying with us had left, I was allowed to explore the house and watch TV. The day before my return journey, we went out to have lunch. Due to no movement and bland food (made by some 90 year old maid), my stomach was crying. I couldn’t relish the food in the hotel. But whatever came my way was delicious. I was happy to be taken out of house J. We spent rest of the evening shopping, checking out Ranchi, and devouring local ice cream.
The last day of my stay was super busy. I met the photographer for finalizing the pictures, picked some yum Sondesh, made food for the trip, packed and rushed to the station. We reached the station, 10 minutes before the departure (so unlike me). It was indeed a roller coaster ride…
A trip that I will never forget.
