Celebrating 16 years of marriage goes beyond just marking the day of our wedding—it’s about honoring the deeper journey of love and unity that has shaped our family over the years. We are celebrating something far deeper: the togetherness of a family that has blossomed over all this time.
This milestone is about the joy of being accepted into a family. As someone who is non-Indian, being so warmly received, loved, and cared for by my family has been one of the most profound and beautiful parts of this journey. It didn’t happen overnight—it unfolded gradually, through countless shared moments, open conversations, and the willingness of everyone to embrace and respect our differences. These efforts deepened our bonds and created a sense of belonging that feels truly special.
I am beyond grateful for the love I have received. It hasn’t always been easy. In the beginning, the cultural differences presented challenges. There were times when traditions or expectations felt unfamiliar, and I struggled to adapt. Similarly, I could sense hesitation or uncertainty from some family members who weren’t sure how I would fit into their world. But through patience, open communication, and a shared commitment to understanding, those challenges gradually dissolved. Every effort to learn, embrace, and adapt helped bridge the gaps between us.
But there is one thing that made it all possible—the love shared by mom and dad for their son and the love I share for my husband. That magnetic love brought our differences into harmony, making everything better.
Reflecting on the theme of family togetherness, over these 16 years, I’ve grown incredibly thankful for my sister-in-law and brother-in-law. I’m grateful that Nancy is part of our family. She has taken on the role of the proper Indian daughter-in-law in ways I could not. Her dedication as a housewife, managing daily chores, organizing family gatherings, and upholding traditions, has helped keep the family’s legacy alive. Her commitment brings a sense of continuity that mom and dad deeply appreciate.
My brother-in-law, Monu, plays an equally significant role. He ensures the family’s business and financial stability, managing the challenges that come with running a business while maintaining strong family connections. His efforts in coordinating important family matters and keeping regular communication with us, even as we live abroad, have been essential in uniting the family. His understanding and willingness to take on this responsibility have been invaluable.
I cannot express enough gratitude and appreciation for mom and dad. In the beginning, it was difficult, and I never imagined we would reach this level of love and understanding. While our relationship was good in the early days, it has grown into something far deeper. We’ve come to truly appreciate and embrace our differences.
My husband often said that life in the village is simple, shaped by the ways of village living. Their days revolve around close-knit relationships and a deep connection to traditions and rituals. In contrast, my life before joining the family was fast-paced and urban, centered on career ambitions and a different set of cultural norms. When I joined this family as a foreigner, my way of life was completely different. But those differences no longer matter because love and understanding have bridged the gap. I feel it deeply—the acceptance, the warmth—and I am touched and overwhelmed with happiness that we’ve reached this level of closeness.
So, on this 16th wedding anniversary, Vikas and I are not just celebrating our marriage. We are reflecting on the journey that brought us here and looking forward to many more years of love and togetherness with our cherished family. We are celebrating 16 years of family togetherness—a journey of love, understanding, and unity that has brought our family closer than ever. And it’s beautiful.
