Like me, it's going to be difficult for her too but I am sure she will manage it with ease and comfort. She is humble and ever sacrificing. I hope she enjoys every second of married life. Weddings also means the coming together of your near and dear ones. It's fun and frolic all around and the bride and groom are under constant scrutiny by the guests . I was reminded of my wedding and the functions and ceremonies revolving around the bride and the groom.
Mehendi and haldi ceremony
Mehendi and haldi ceremony have a lot of importance in an Indian wedding. It is usually believed that if the colour of your mehendi turns darker, the more you will be loved by your husband. They also write your spouse's name on your hand with mehendi in an enigmatic manner that can't be spotted easily. Your spouse has to point out his name on your hand. This ritual is so much fun and I recall Naitikji trying to figure out his name in the mehendi design, on my hands. During Nandini didi's mehendi ceremony her jewelery and ornaments were displayed for the families and close relatives to see . My mother-in-law wasn't quite pleased with didi's mother-in-law's preference to show the ornaments. Everyone was in awe of the beautiful jewelry that was spread in front of them. I won a lot of appreciation for my choice and taste.
When you become a bahu, things transform drastically . I was completely indifferent to all these rituals before getting married. All my jewelery and clothes were chosen by my mother and bhabhi. There was no fear of going wrong with the choice as the responsibility to select the best of everything for me was on my mother , but during Nandini didi's wedding I realised that pleasing everyone is not an easy task. You can't be lax about anything that is associated with the family's prestige. Well , thankfully the mehendi ceremony concluded without any hiccup.
Sangeet ceremony
I personally love the sangeet ceremony where family members and your relatives dance and celebrate the occasion. It is a lot of fun. The hustle bustle and gaana-bajaana during weddings fills you with so much joy and happiness . For my Sangeet, all my relatives rehearsed for days in advance for the final act and they didn't spare me and took jibes at me through their choice of songs. I too had danced to my favourite songs and let me tell you dear readers that I was never so nervous in my entire life.
Bidaai
The most painful of all the ceremonies remains to be the bidaai of the bride. Like a nervous bride , uncertain about what the future holds for you . You leave your family and friends who have been a part of your life since the day you were born and follow this one man in to his world and all that it entails . Your world revolves around him and all your decisions are made keeping him in mind. Likewise, my world revolves around Naitikji. I love him to the core and he loves me too. The best part of our relationship is those petty squabbles followed by convincing each other. Though most of the times he is at the receiving end but I enjoy every bit of it. After all not always do you get a chance to be cajoled and pampered by your husband.
I was overwhelmed to know that Mohit bhaiya cares for Nandini didi. We were a tad worried when his mother asked us for dowry but Mohit bhaiya solved the issue by dissuading us from giving any dowry as Nandini didi is not a thing that can be sold. I was proud of him and instantly realised that didi couldn't get a better life partner than Mohit bhaiya.
The entire function ended without any hitch but Naitik and I had our share of problems to be taken care of. Naitikji borrowed money from me and I had no option other than handing him over the same money which my mother-in-law gave me to give to the jeweler. We were scared to bits when we saw that the same jeweler showed up at the wedding and the problem worsened when my mother-in-law asked me to pay him his money. But I was helpless and couldn't pay him his money as I did not have any money (Do you think I had an option here, dear readers. Please write to me how I could have avoided this unpleasant situation). Seeing no other option, I had to convince Naitikji to disclose the truth to all (I hope I did the right thing by making him disclose it to the family, please suggest me if I was right this time, dear readers). Everyone was shocked to know that he had borrowed the money to buy a bungalow for me. I am really scared as to how the family will react to his move as they might blame me for being the reason behind Naitik's decision (Please tell me how do I come out of the crisis). I hope they don't interpret it the wrong way as I love living in this big, joint family.
I am just praying that they forgive us for our folly. I know we have erred and I should have informed my mother-in-law beforehand but I was too scared to tell her anything. I have learned from my mistake and have vowed that I will never hide anything from the elders, who are also the decision makers of the family. I can't let anything malign the image of my family.
I am still worried as to how will I manage to convince them to forgive us. Please pray for Naitik and me. Keep writing to me at akshara@starplus.in.I will be looking forward to your suggestions and advice.
Here are some of my replies to my dear fans:
Naufil Mulla: Dear Akshara, Salaam Walekum! How are you doing? Hope all is well at your side. Firstly let me introduce myself. My name is Naufil Mulla. I like it when my friends call me only Nauf: Profile: Age: 23. City: Mumbai. Residence city: Kuwait. I have been watching your show daily. I work here in Kuwait as a travel consultant. After my work, I go home and watch all shows Yrkkh, Bidaai, Laadli, Tere mere sapne, Behnein and many more. And always learn many things through you stars. Living abroad, it is really good to see Indian culture and their thinking towards their families. Let me talk about Yrkkh, to be honest, when u got married on screen and seeing so many situations in your life, I was feeling a bit bored but on the other hand, it was a fact of life. A girl goes to a different family and mixes herself in the same way as her in-laws want. I always believe in arrange marriages and it is good when an arrange marriage turns in to a love marriage. Now very soon I may get my better half. I know if I keep my partner happy, she will be more supportive and adjusting with my family. But, I have one problem that I am very short tempered. I wish to, but I can't control my temper with anyone, though it is only for a moment but it may hurt someone. What do you suggest in this case? What can I do to stop my temper from getting raised? Because I know my partner and me, we can be wrong sometimes and if I raise my voice on her then will she understand me? Will she forgive me easily? I know you may advise me to control my temper, but believe me Akshara I tried a lot, but I don't have control on it. And I regret later for my behaviour. My friends and colleagues say that after marriage I will not be same. What do you suggest? Please help..!!! Please pass my kind regards to all your team of YRKKH!!!
Rock Alwayzz!!!
Akshara: Dear Nauf, thanks for writing to me. The only thing I would like to tell you is that, anger is human's worst enemy. You end up causing the maximum damage in anger. What you have to think is that, is your anger above your loved one? It's only human to err and I am sure like you, your partner too might end up making mistakes. Please ignore them as marriage is an extremely fragile relationship. You have to nurture it till it grows strong to face any difficulty.
Greeshma: Hi Akshara, I'm Greeshma….right now I'm in Kerala. Akshara, I just don't know what to type right now. I watch all the episodes of Yeh Rishta no matter whatever happens or wherever I am. I just love yours and Naitik's jodi…..You guys are just the best and really made for each other. Must say hats off to Mr. Rajan for selecting such a cute combination……I love your dressing style and especially the way you act. Keep going the same way….You guys are doing a great job……..Love you so much……
Akshara: Thank you Greeshma and please keep loving us always.
Shruthi: Dear Akshara, my name is Shruthi and I am from Chennai. I am a regular viewer of your show. I really like YRKKH because it is so realistic and that's what sets your show apart from the others. Your show definitely does help in making its viewers understand relationships better and you can always find some useful advice as to how to solve problems in one's relationship, from almost all the episodes which have been aired. I hope that Nandini didi's wedding goes well. Please give my regards to the entire team of YRKKH. You guys are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
Akshara: Thank you Shruthi for your kind words. I will surely pass on your regards to the entire family.
Saba: Dear Akshara, Assalam-o-alaikum, my English is not well but please try to understand my point of view. Hey I am really happy today to see your reply. I don't believe that you have replied to me. Thanks for your reply my suggestions. I thought you might get upset but aisa nahi hua. You know I am feeling really happy from within. Actually this is first time that I wrote an email to any celebrity or personality. And unexpectedly you replied to my email. Now coming to the point, you and Naitik are looking superb in the current episodes of YRKKH. Your dressing style and hairstyle is great. You are looking gorgeous and Naitik looks like a prince. You both have very beautiful faces and your halki phulki ched chaad is amazing. I want to make strong friendship with you and Naitik too. Is it possible? And I want Naitik's email id too if it is possible for you to give it to me.
Aap ke serial ki sab se achchi baat yeh he ki is me aisi koi baat nahi hai, na to dressing ke hawalay se aur nahi story ke hawalay se. Hum is ko family ke saath beth kar na dekh saken warna doosray serials me to parties ho rahi hai aur dance uffff my Allah, itna bura lagta he ke family ke saath baith ke to dekh hi nahi sakte thay, 1 aam family, jo ki hamaray culture ka hissa hai woh aisi hi hoti hai jahan par normal style me zindagi guzari jati hai. Na ki dance parties ho rahi hain aur anyways, I hope you understand my point of view. Take good care of yourself and your family. Allah Hafiz.
Akshara: Thank you Saba for your good wishes. My id is akshara@starplus.in. You can always connect with me through this id. Would love to hear from you again.
Arathi: Hi,I am Arathi from Bangalore, I watch your show daily and for any reasons if I miss it, I watch the repeat telecast. You are a wonderful actor and you look really beautiful. I love your character very much, as it shows how always a girl should adjust in the husband's house in any situation.
Anyways, my query is that I am 28 years old, unmarried, working for a small company and my parents are looking for the right match. But the only thing I hear from every one that I am 28 and not yet married and I am so worried , I should get a right match to marry now. Please suggest me how to console myself and my mom.
Akshara: Hi! Arathi, like you said, you need to get a right match for yourself before embarking on a new journey in life. Things can go haywire if you take a plunge into marriage in haste. This is a decision that changes your life forever, so please do not rush into it just because people around you think that you have crossed a certain age-limit suitable for marriage. You have to be convinced before you take a leap.
Saroj Choudhury: I love your acting Akshara. You are very beautiful. You look like a princess without palu. I think you are the most beautiful woman I've ever known. Please post some real life photos of yours. I follow you on your facebook fan club.
Akshara: Thank you so much Saroj.
Mangal: Hi Akshara, will you like making friendship with me? I am married and have a three year old baby. Can you give a few tips for a happy married life?
Akshara: Dear Mangal, the mantra to a successful marriage is to put your spouse before yourself. Be it sacrificing, understanding and caring and then it will be a cake-walk.
Ruhi Dua: Hi, this is Ruhi Dua. I and my family watch your show daily. I love your intelligence and your way of doing things. But what I think is that you must not do anything which would create any misunderstandings. Like-wise you have not given the money yet, because of Naitik. But if we live in a joint family we are supposed to tell everything to our elders. I know you told this to Naitik many times. You are blessed with natural beauty; you look really great, an Indian beauty. I want to be like you,I look good lol and most of my friends tell me that I look like you in many of my photographs. I am just telling this and that doesn't mean I am praising myself. I am talking to you like you are my childhood friend. You are quite a busy personality and I hope, I am not interrupting you. Akshara you and Reena Kapoor as in Rani in Woh rehne wali mehlon ki are very good. Reena Kapoor is my love and she really looks so innocent just like you and I love you both. May god bless you. I will definitely mail you again. Do remember me if possible. Our love is with you.
Akshara: Thank you Ruhi for your compliments and kind words. I know, I should have told the elders of the family about the entire episode but I had my own reasons behind not telling them. I can't ignore Naitik's requests. Henceforth, I will keep your advice in mind.
Samita: Hi Akshara didi. My name is Samita and I live in Toronto, Canada. I am an Indian and my background is from Punjab. I love watching Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. The first thing I do when I come back from school is go on the computer and watch Yeh Rishta and Bidaai. I love those scenes where you and Naitik are together, talking or when you are having fun, anything where the two of you are together and are not fighting or angry with each other. I love it when Naitik supports you or stands for you. I think the two of you look perfect together. You and Naitik have the BEST chemistry and are a terrific couple. Hope to see more memorable Naitik and Akshara moments. And can you give me some tips on how you maintain such a good figure as well as some facial and hair tips. Hope to hear from you soon.
Akshara: Hi Samita, eat healthy to look healthy and beautiful. Thank you for your wishes.
Stay tuned, dear readers, to Akshara's corner next week, as she draws you more into her world! For any advice and suggestions, please write to akshara@starplus.in. Don't forget to write your name, age and the city where you live in.
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, starring Akshara and Naitik airs every Monday-Friday, at 9.30 pm.
Financial markets and global economy
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani
834