Stories by saris

I had a Hindu-Muslim wedding more than 20 years ago.

- NAMRATA ZAKARIA

I remember we had blessings, but not the attendance of family members from either side. I was in my early 20s, and was distraught that I would be alone thanks to the families" "thanks but no thanks" attitude. We were blessed by the truly liberating Special Marriage Act, and the kindness of my mother's favourite fashion designer Pallavi Jaikishan, who agreed to make me the most beautifully embroidered gold sari with golden roses, and refused the meagre pennies that I could pay for her generosity.

Apologies for how flippant it sounds, but that lavish sari saved me a lot of pain. I felt precious by looking precious. There were a lot of tears, for sure, but I am smiling and beautiful in all my photos.