The air in Dumka on 3 May 2022, carried the fragrance of marigolds—warm, golden, almost luminescent. Their petals lay scattered across the earth like blessings whispered by the morning sun. Around us rose a gentle hum of voices, a rippling tide of excitement, laughter, and anticipation. It felt as if time itself had slowed, pausing to honour a moment larger than all of us.

For Jagrata and me, the sweetness in the air came not from the flowers, not from the music, but from something far more intimate—a quiet swell of gratitude that filled our hearts as we stood watching our son, Judhajit, begin a lifelong journey with Tania.

Hand in hand, they circled the sacred fire, their steps mirroring the eternal rhythms of tradition. The flames flickered like pages of an ancient story, illuminating their vows, their shy glances, and the unmistakable sparkle of two souls ready to build a world together. As I watched them, a realisation settled over me—our little boy, once tender and fragile in our arms, now stood before us as a man of conviction, love, and purpose.

A Story Rooted in Lucknow — 15 October 1992

This chapter, radiant in its joy, finds its beginning in a quieter, gentler moment.

October 15, 1992. Lucknow. The day our world shifted forever.

I can still feel the weight of him—so small, so impossibly delicate—as he lay in my arms for the first time. His soft gurgles were music, his first smile a revelation, his laughter a melody that filled the corners of our home with warmth. Those early years were a mosaic of wonder: wobbly steps, scraped knees, crooked school ties, bedtime stories, whispered dreams.

Childhood has a way of slipping through our fingers—one moment a bicycle with training wheels, the next a young man striding across a graduation stage with determination in his eyes. Each milestone became a thread in the tapestry of who he was becoming.

Of course, the journey was not without storms. The teenage rebellions, the doubts, the silent questions all parents carry—Are we doing enough? Will he find his way?

But even in the roughest seas, Judhajit showed a quiet resilience, an inner compass that always steered him toward his truth.

As the years passed, I watched him grow—not just in height, but in character. He faced life’s hurdles with grace, navigating uncertainties with a steady hand.

A Man Ready for the World

Watching him on his wedding day, poised and certain, I felt an immense peace settle within me. He had grown into a man who didn’t seek the spotlight but embraced responsibility with grace. He had matured into someone who understood love—not as a fairy tale, but as a partnership crafted with patience, kindness, and integrity.

Seeing him take Tania’s hand, I knew he was ready—not just for marriage, but for the life they would build together.

The Reception — Ranchi, 6 May 2022

Three days later, Ranchi welcomed us with a different kind of energy. The reception glittered with music, laughter, swirling colours, and the comforting presence of family and friends. Yet one moment eclipsed them all.

My cousin, Suvajit Roy Choudhury, had created a video montage—a tender chronicle of Judhajit and Tania’s journey, from hesitant beginnings to the ease and affection of shared love. As images danced across the screen, time folded into itself. I saw two young souls discovering each other, step by step, smile by smile.

When the montage played, Judhajit and Tania sat side by side. Their eyes met—a single glance that spoke volumes. In that instant, every parental worry I’d ever held simply dissolved. What remained was a quiet certainty: they would walk through life together with unwavering strength, compassion, and devotion.

A New Beginning, A New Hope

Marriage is a tapestry woven with threads of joy and challenge, triumph and trial. It asks for patience, understanding, and a steadfast hand to hold when storms gather. As Judhajit and Tania embark on this journey, my heart overflows with faith in the life they will create—rooted in love, nurtured by respect, and strengthened by the promises they made before the sacred fire.

To my dearest children, Judhajit and Tania—
May your home echo with laughter.
May your hearts remain open, even on the difficult days.
May your love grow deeper with every sunrise.
Know that you carry with you our blessings, our hopes, and our endless affection.

As I look back on that day in Dumka—the marigolds, the rituals, the glow of the fire—I feel only gratitude for the journey that brought us here. From the moment he first opened his eyes in Lucknow to the day he stood as a groom; every chapter has been a gift.

Now, as the two of you begin writing your own story, may it be filled with shared dreams, beautiful adventures, and a love that stands the test of time.

Here’s to your forever.