The Post Engagement Scenario !!!!!

Dated: November 12th 2004

Dear Friends,

A lot of people had written back that they had not receive one of my signature long e-mails since a long time ............. especially the one's on Love and that someone special in your Life ............
I had only one answer for them : I got Engaged !!

But then, I think the above answer was not right cos here I am again ........... and ..........

Before I get into the mood of writing my usual....... long e-mails, let me first share some very vital information with you:

Firstly, heres wishing one and all a Very Happy Diwali and a very prosperous New Year ahead .......... may the new year make all Ur dreamz come true !!
Second and not the least........ , I would be getting married on the 19th of December 2004 (Sunday) at Holy Family High School (Upper Grounds, Andheri - E). The wedding cards and the Official invitations would follow suit (everyone out here is invited) ......... but just thought I would give you the first hand information ...... right from the horses mouth !!
Now, coming back to the latest topic of discussion in my life (given in the subject line); I would like to share some of my experiences on the same ...............

As you all know, I got engaged on 4th July'04 (remember ID 4...... the movie - also stands for the Independence Day of USA ........ ) which gave me almost 6 months time before I actually tie the knot !!

For those who are yet to enter into this experience, I would actually suggest that there should be a minimum period of 6-7 months (not more cos then it's boring but definitely not less) before Marriage cos this is one of the best periods in your Life !!

I have seen cases where the couple got engaged and married within a period of 2 weeks ..........: In these cases, there is hardly enough time to know the opposite person ....... forget about close interactions !!
There are also cases where the waiting period is as long as 1 - 2 years, which makes it a very boring (waiting) game ........ hope U don't get old by then ??!!
The reason I am giving a lot of emphasis to this "Wonderful Experience" of the Post-Engagement scenario is cos it is a beautiful transition period for two individuals.

Traditionally, the couples are rarely allowed to meet each other before Engagement bcos of some obvious restrictions whereas generally ......... the couple take each other for granted after Marriage cos there are hardly any restrictions then....... !!

As it is said, "Rules are generally made to be broken" .......... and the fun lies in breaking rules when U could actually be punished for it !!

The Post-Engagement scenario is exactly the same situation ........... cos it brings together two individuals who are destined to be together for the rest of their lives but yet cannot break that thin barrier of restrictions !!

Just to site an example, ................. I remember School life, when as Kids, we would venture out after "BUNKING" classes. The excitement of escaping under the eyes of the School Teacher and the School peon at the main gate was simply amazing !!

The fear of being caught was always there on the back of the mind .............. but at the same time ............ when the plan actually succeeded .......... there was a huge sense of Achievement, as if you had conquered the whole World !!

But, the moment you enter College, the entire fun and the daring element of "Bunking Classes" disappeared cos when in College ....... it was meant to be a way of Life !! Nobody would ask you any questions for missing classes/ lectures cos nobody cares ......... !! U are free to do as you feel .... no restrictions imposed ........

Another feature of this period is the hefty telephone bills ....... !!

Suddenly, U feel as if there is a person who is made for you and you can share all your feelings and secrets with her. Even without any topic to share, you are able to converse for atleast 20-25 mins with her ........ so the limits are basically endless when you have your entire Life history of 20+ years to share with her !!

Some more characteristics of this beautiful period can be summarise as given below:
There is a conscious effort to be at your best behaviour when U r with him/ her
U always aim (consciously/ sub-consciously) to make an impression on him/ her
A lot of curiosity is awakened just to know ..... what he/ she likes or dislikes
U attempt to remember each and every meeting made during this period.......... every word she said, everything she did ........ and sometimes ...... what did she actually mean when she said that .................... xxxxxx ??!!
There is a lot of effort at making a close contact ............. a mischevious attempt ........ to touch her ........ to feel her or the most special ............. to kiss her !!
U never forget the first KISS ........ that special Moment of Ur Life !!
U remember her face ........ her smile ........... and that look !!
U remember the restriction imposed ............... the limits U should not cross ........... the thin barrier not to be broken .......... !!
Definitely, This is one of the best experiences of an individuals Life !!

And till now, I haven't even talked about one of my favourite topics ......... i.e. LOVE !!

That's bcos during this period, U are so engrossed trying to know the opposite person ...... that U never think about the concept of LOVE .....!!

What does Love mean to a couple of individuals who are supposed to be together for the rest of their Lives ........... ??

It's quite a difficult question to ask ........ and the answer (I am sure) would be even more difficult !! Cos I don't have one ............ can someone experienced help us out ??!!

Eagerly waiting to hear from you all ..................... !!

Lots of Love,

Sandeep