Joy cant b measured with money-Akshara

Akshara's Corner: Joy can't be measured with money

Hi friends, my godbharai was an occasion to be celebrated but keeping up with the tough times we are facing, I didn't want it to affect our purse strings.

Moreover I believe that happiness is not measured by money. Love and good wishes of people are more important than wealth or grandeur.

Buaji wanted a grand function but I realized that it would simply add to the expense. Gayatri ma wanted cool invitations, decoration, floating candle, decorator and a light man to put up lights but I convinced her otherwise. We did the house up with diyas which made it look special. Later we cut down the list of people to 30 as they wouldn't fit into our small house and then we didn't get a cook either as we could make the food ourselves. I knew Ma wanted to get a professional to apply mehendi on my hands but I insisted she do it, and she did a great job too. These small changes gave us great relief in the budget.

But the biggest problem was clothes & return gifts. I made small bags from my old sarees & put mehendi, bindi, sindoor as they were most important to a married woman. Every woman would be happy to receive them. I felt sad when Gayatri ma said she wanted to put a silver or gold coin too. But I do believe that gold or silver has nothing to do with friendship, relations or celebration.

Later Ma got angry with Kuwarsa when he got less expensive saris for us though she didn't know I had told him so. I didn't want her to buy me a lehanga or saree at this point. We managed to settle for a good sari in our budget. I understand that Bhabhima and Gayatri ma want to do their best for my godbharai but I guess these trying times call for a restraint and I am sticking to the budget as subtlety as possible without hurting their emotions.

At godbharai, I was overwhelmed to see that everyone came with smiles and good wishes. The true joy in life is the company of people you love you and genuinely care for you. Anshu surprised me with a cake while everyone else danced. We had loads of fun.

But I knew something else was bothering Gayatri ma and Bhabhima as they have been behaving strangely. I have my doubts yet nothing concrete to go on. I know they are worried for me but this feels different. I hope they confide what is troubling them soon enough.

Friends, do write your suggestions me at akshara@starplus.in. You can also follow me on Facebook and @ Akshara_SP on twitter. Keep watching Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hain every Monday-Friday at 9.30 pm only on STAR Plus.