45th Marriage Anniversary

On 28 th July 2007, my parents celebrated their 45 th marriage anniversary. On 28 th evening we (my in-laws, hubby and daughter) joined my parents for dinner at Hyatt where they were staying overnight. As we waited in the lobby- I saw Mamoni come out of the elevator in a beautiful brown and white sari with silver embroidery, I would never forget the look on her face- it was serene, calm, content and was radiant…inexplicably radiant!!! Baba looked amazing in dhoti and kurta and he looked oh so happy!!!

It has always been my firm belief that a long and happy married life is the best gift that parents can give their children. I have felt it in my own life as I watched my parents celebrate 45 years of life, of love, laughter, tears, pains, frustrations, irritations, joys, friendship, companionship and togetherness.

I know how their married life has impacted me. Deep inside I have always longed to have a marriage like theirs - strong, enduring, committed and full of life. I learnt that it does not come easy- marriage like any other relationship, needs lots of effort and work from both partners to bind it so strong that little gusts of life's adversities instead of shaking its foundation, strengthens it.

One has to trust each other even when you can’t trust yourself and embrace every joy and sorrow. It always amazed me how silently my parents communicated with each other. They don’t need to talk to each other- just a look does it all. I remember asking Mamoni how does she do this and she said that she feels what Baba has to say not only in her heart, but in her blood. (“Rokte mishe geche” were her exact words) He is amalgamated in her blood!!! Hence she knows what he wants to say without him articulating the same.

My friends talked about discord amongst their parents- for me it was an alien concept. I had once asked Mamoni if she always agreed with Baba, her response was “are you crazy???” She always told us that when you love some one you must accept that they are not your appendage but a different person and this “difference” is part of their charm. She always told me to ensure that the difference should always be that of opinion, “NEVER” of heart and mind. Hence we never “saw” or “heard” them disagree. I was always struck in wonderment when I see their deep bond of affection and deference that just shines through.

I always felt that the song “Wind beneath my wings” should ideally be my parent’s song. How apt!!! How very apt!!! We all need our partners to be the “wind beneath our wings” only then can we really soar!!!


Today as I pray that God bless my parent, and may He shower upon them His choicest blessings, I pray and fervently wish that He strengthen our love, affection, care, trust, respect, friendship for our spouses with each passing breath. As we grow old together may we count our years in joyous and happy hours spent together. May we never remember the discordant times, the hurtful words and only remember the times that brought us joy and happiness and trials that strengthened our bond.

I hope when I celebrate my 45 th marriage anniversary – I look just as calm, serene, content and radiant as Mamoni did on her anniversary. I pray that my husband looks just as happy to be with me as Baba did on his 45 th marriage anniversary.