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Mom was stressing out over buying clothes for Lakshmi’s wedding.

“Indian weddings are more complicated. They go on for three days.” Mom had said to me a few days after the engagement party.

“I need to select saris for Lakshmi and me for each of the events during the three-day ceremony. Besides, you, Krishna, and Dad must have new clothes too. And it is customary for us to give a gift to each of our close friends and family. A sari for the wives and a shirt for their husbands. Now, do you understand?”

I understood the gravity of the situation. Shopping for so many people was not going to be an easy task.

Mom spent hours surfing the web with Lakshmi for Indian clothes for men and women. They visited some local shops selling Indian clothes. Mom was very particular about the color and style of saris, and Lakshmi wanted a designer outfit for the reception, but nothing looked attractive. Going to India for shopping was not possible due to Dad’s schedule at the university. One weekend, Mom called Auntie Sheela, as recommended by Dad.

Auntie Sheela solved Mom’s dilemma about shopping for Lakshmi’s wedding.

“Why are you stressing yourself, Sharada? The solution is simple. The wedding is in early August, right?” Auntie Sheela said.

“Yes.”

“And, this is what, mid-June? So, here’s what I recommend. A week before the wedding, you all come over to us in Mumbai. I know all the good stores here and a tailor near our house who can stitch a blouse for you in a couple of hours. We have known him for a long time. He’s reliable.”

“Go on. I’m listening.” Mom answers quietly.

“As I was saying, we can do the shopping in a couple of days. I have another suggestion. I’ll visit some of these shops, and I’ll have a video chat with you from the store on WhatsApp. How does that sound?”

“Sounds great to me. I like it.”

“That way, you can pre-select the clothes before you come and finalize the purchase when you are here.”

So, the wedding shopping dilemma was over. Everyone was happy. Dad can complete his university commitment, and when in Mumbai, spend some time with his brother before the wedding. Mom and Lakshmi will get to shop for the clothes they want, and Krishna and I can enjoy Uncle Mayur’s hospitality.

To read chapter 21, click here. https://wp.me/p2b25R-iX