"Om, shanti, om shanti, om shanti shanti Om", I sang, feeling whole and at peace.
After a while, I went downstairs for chai and checked out of my hotel. I did some last minute shopping, where I purchased a lovely hand woven rug, a quilt, and other textiles, which Jaipur is famous for.
Sleeping almost the whole way back to Delhi, I arrived in Delhi at about 6pm. I had two hours before Rajiv's engagement party at the Indian airforce base. I had a bit of time to change and relax in my hotel room, which Rajiv had arranged for me. I was staying at the Rajasthan Guest House, located convenient to the government HQ, that way I could be close to the wedding events. I changed into my white dress and fly jacket I purchased in Harlem. I was picked up by Maneesha and Mohed, a young couple who are good friends with Rajiv. We arrived at the military grounds a bit late because we got lost, turned around several times. The reception was outside in a large garden behind a few barracks. Everyone was extremely welcoming, genuine and delighted that I flew all the way to India for the wedding. Shivani, one of Shalini's friends explained to me that guests are considered gods in Indian culture and that they are treated with overwhelming hospitality and as members of the family,
I met Rajiv's entire family - his sisters Renu and Bela, his brothers Sanjiv and Mohesh. Renu is about my age, extremely smart and opinionated, blessed with great beauty. I met her two playful children who enjoyed tapping me and running all night. Bela is Rajiv's eldest sister.
Mahesh, the dancer of the family, took me out on the dance floor and we danced to Punjabi music. I met Shalini's friends as well and we chatted about life, education, men - the typical female chit chat. All in all, it was a fantastic night. At midnight, we rang in Rajiv's birthday with a yummy chocolate cake and a fun ceremony of smearing the cake all over Rajiv's face.
I was in love with Rajiv's family. His mother and father were especially warm - asking questions about Rajiv at work. His father is incredibly handsome with golden bronzed skin and clear blue eyes. His mother was always beaming and joyful, full of life. I can't say enough how awesome his family is.
Probably one of the most hilarious points in the evening was when the DJ played "Smack that Ass" by Akon. Everyone danced and sang along with the song. Heeelarious! Check out the video -
The food was great- chicken tikka kabobs were passed and since I hadn't eaten that day, they kept me from getting tipsy from all the drinks tha Rajiv's father kept handing me. There was also mutton curry. Dinner was served at around 11:30 and consisted of all the traditional Indian delights. I was too full from the chicken tikka I had eaten earlier to finish everything on my plate.
We danced and laughed all night until the DJ stopped playing and the children were rubbing their sleepy eyes.
MORE PICTURES OF THE PARTY CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE.
