At first, I was shocked by Varsha's behaviour and was heartbroken with her rude tone but I also understood that as a mother she was concerned about her child.
I had related this incident to you all as well in my last week's column and your positive messages really helped me look at the situation from a new angle, so thank you all for your support.
The next day, I was in for a surprise as I found Ananya sleeping on my bed. At first, I was a little hesitant to go near her but then could not control myself. The icing on the cake was when I found out it was Varsha's way of apologizing to me. I was glad that the misunderstanding between us was so cleared and that we went back to being the loving friends that we were. I can't tell you what a relief it was as the last thing I needed after my recent problems, is to have my best friend holding a grudge against me. Just the other day, when Ananya was unwell, Varsha reminded me that I share blood relations with Ananya and that I have every right to be with her. This statement really touched my heart.
I had another surprise in store this week as Naitik decided to take Ananya and me for a drive. The three of us had a fun time and could not stop laughing.
I decided to leave the tensions of the past behind and focus on Rashmi's wedding preparations. I prepared some designs for Rashmi's wedding outfit and jewelry and was happy that Gayatri Ma and Bhabhi Ma liked them. I then got busy with planning the rest of the pending stuff. A wedding is no easy task, there are so many things to be taken care of, and it can really leave you exhausted. I'm sure those of you who have had a wedding in the family will relate to what I am saying.
The preparations were going on as scheduled, but there was glitch and I felt hurt when the family had to face a humiliating situation due to my carelessness. Although it happened unintentionally, it embarrassed us in front of Rashmi's in-laws. I had carefully packed a sari to be gifted to Rashmi's mother-in-law but somehow I did not notice that it was a little torn. We realized it only after Rashmi's mother-in-law opened the gift and I was stunned and felt very bad about the goof up. Luckily, Rashmi's mother-in-law is a nice person and did not complain or point out the mistake, but still I could not help but blame myself for this mistake.
Now that Rashmi's wedding is just around the corner, the family has its hands full with umpteen number of chores. As I carry on with my preparations, here are some valuable suggestions that I want to share with you all based on my personal experience. If you have a wedding coming up in your family these tips will come in handy, so here goes?
Prepare a proper guest list in advance so that no one is missed out.
Ensure arrangements are made for a comfortable stay for guests who will arrive from out of town. Also confirm if they have any special preferences regarding food or stay.
During weddings there are numerous poojas and other rituals which are elaborate affairs, so ensure that a list of items required is prepared in advance.
Get a dry run of makeup and hairdo before the D-Day to avoid any last minute glitches like I did during my wedding.
Book the venue, caterers, helpers, videographers/photographers in advance to avoid last minute tensions.
Now some important advice for the bride-to-be, post marriage.
Support your husband and make him feel loved and cared for. Just like you expect him to care for you, he too expects the same. Make him feel special in simple ways.
Trust is the most important factor in any relationship. Trust your partner completely and do not hide anything from him. I remember the time, I had hidden about Mohit and Nandini's relationship from Naitik and it had caused major problems between us. I do not want Rashmi to make the same mistake.
It will take you sometime to adjust but try to accept your husband's family as your own. Accept them with their positive and negative aspects as trying to change them may not always work.
Be respectful, loving and caring as even your in-laws will require time to adjust with you. Do not expect everyone to be cooperative and understanding right from the start.
As you would seek advice from your mother and follow her instructions, do the same with your mother-in-law as well.
Be affectionate and understanding towards youngsters in the family. This will help you to gel with them faster.
Relationships strengthen over time so keep at it and put in time and effort towards the new relationship.
Try to fulfill your responsibilities well but do not be disheartened if things do not turn out as you have planned. Everyone makes mistakes.
Learn about customs and traditions that your husband's family follows and put in your best effort to accept them.
If you have any more tips share them with me at akshara@starplus.in
Fan comments
Bharti- Hi Akshara i really enjoy your program and I know how you feel after having a miscarriage, I went through the same way but now I have three lovely children. I wish to God that you get pregnant soon. Take care.
Akshara- Hi Bharti. It is great to hear that God has blessed you with three lovely children after you suffered a miscarriage. This has encouraged me not to lose hope and I hope that God is as kind with me too. Do send me some photographs of your kids. Take care.
Ashwin Kumar- Hi Akshara. You are looking so pretty. I am a great fan of u. I am watching u regularly. I am very much inspired by your acting. I don't know Hindi I am basically a Tamilian but I watch you without fail. Please reply to me.
Akshara- Hi Ashwin. Thanks for all the kind words. It is touching to know that so many of you watch Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai even though you do not understand the language. Do keep writing in with your views and suggestions.
Shubhi Chanchal- Hi Akshara. I'm Shubhi Chanchal, doing journalism from Lucknow University. Hinaji you are so beautiful. I know you are an actress but I also know that you are a good human being in your real life am I right? Actually I am also interested in acting but everybody is not lucky as you are. Your life is become so famous because you are doing very much hard work. I don't know you personally but I like you so much as a girl. Please keep smiling and do your best. All the very best.
Akshara- Thanks for all the lovely compliments Shubhi. I wish you good luck for whatever career you choose to pursue whether it is journalism or acting. It is not just about luck but also about your passion and dedication towards your goal in life. Keep smiling.
Deepika Velam- I am Deepika from Tamil Nadu.I love your show very much. As well as I like your acting very much. My mom is very eager to watch your show. I wish u all the best for your career.
Akshara- I am glad to know that you and your mom love our show and are eager to watch it Deepika. I too wish you all the best in lofe and keep smiling always.
Ansa Anam- Hi hina di. Aap ko kuch kehana chahte hain 'Ankhon se door hone ka koi gila nahi Dil ke bouhat qarib ho kuch fasila nahi' 'Kuch Rishte Uparwala Banata Hai Kuch Rishte Log Banate Hain Par Kuch Log Bina Kisi Rishte Ke Hi Rishte Nibhate Hain Shayed Wohi hum jaise fans kehlate hain.'
Akshara- Thank you for the sweet shayari Ansa. Did you write it yourself? It is great to know my fans are so creative. Do Keep writing in.
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