The air in Dumka, on the morning of 3 May 2022, carried the fragrance of marigolds—warm, golden, almost luminescent. Their petals lay scattered across the earth like blessings whispered by the sun. Around us rose a gentle hum of voices, a tide of laughter and anticipation that seemed to ripple through the day itself. It felt as if time had slowed, pausing—reverent, attentive—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 echoed an ancient rhythm, steady and sure. The flames flickered like pages from a timeless story, illuminating their vows, their shy glances, and the unmistakable glow of two souls ready to build a world together.

And as I watched them, a realization settled gently within me—our little boy, once so tender in our arms, now stood before us as a man of conviction, love, and purpose.

A Story Rooted in Lucknow — 15 October 1992

Every radiant chapter begins in quiet places.

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. Laughter soon followed, filling our home with a warmth that felt permanent, as if joy itself had taken up residence.

Those early years were a mosaic of wonder: wobbly first steps, scraped knees kissed better with care, crooked school ties tugged straight each morning, bedtime stories whispered into sleep. 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, determination bright in his eyes.

Of course, the journey was not without its storms. There were teenage rebellions, long silences, the unspoken questions every parent carries late into the night—Are we doing enough? Will he find his way?

Yet even in rough seas, Judhajit revealed a quiet resilience. An inner compass. A steadiness that always pointed him back to his truth.

Becoming

As years unfolded, I watched him grow—not merely in height, but in character. He met life’s hurdles with grace, navigated uncertainty with a steady hand. He learned that strength need not announce itself; that responsibility, carried gently, can be a form of love.

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.

When he exchanged garlands with Tania and placed sindoor gently along the parting of her hair, I knew—without doubt—that he was ready. Ready not only for marriage, but for the shared life they would patiently shape together, day by day, promise by promise.

The Reception — Ranchi, 6 May 2022

Three days later, we gathered again for the reception in Ranchi. It shimmered—music spilling into laughter, colours swirling in celebration, the comforting embrace of family and friends all around us. The evening was joyous, exuberant. And yet, amid all that splendour, one moment quietly eclipsed them all.

My cousin Suvajit (Laltoo) had created a video montage—a tender chronicle of Judhajit and Tania’s journey, from hesitant beginnings to the ease of shared affection. As images danced across the screen, time folded in on itself. I watched 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.