An image of my parents wedding in 1982
I met J uncle on a rainy very cold january morning this year, near an empty swimming pool. His room – 705, is just beneath my room – 805, where i am writing this.
J uncle had his own quiet world till he met my sister. My sister, she is a kathak dancer(banaras gharana). J uncle would not know about it for a month till one day they meet in the elevator, she moved and her ghungroo rolled from her bag.
J uncle and his lovely wife had come from Banaras. In a quest to live with their son, they sold their house. They used to sing all morning there, he told me.
He disliked it here. Everything. But he never spoke about it. He was just visibly sad. In his walk, thats how mostly i saw of him. A singer coming from a gharana who doesn’t sing anymore. In the meantime J uncle grew fond of my sister and attended one of her performances in Delhi. That day I imagine he was the most happiest person present in the auditorium.
In many evenings that i spent in Delhi, we met, went on walks together, always in a circle crossing the empty swimming pool. We somehow never spoke when we crossed that swimming pool. Now Rati, my sister would be getting married in a month.
One morning he called me downstairs at his place. He sat amongst 100s of old cassettes laid out on his bed. Looking at me, he said. 34 years ago i composed a song for my niece’s wedding. Would you please play it for rati when Jaimal happens !
ROAD TO NARA 
I like this post because I admire your life path.
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Joanna, much gratitude and love. Thank you for inspiring too.
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Nice blog!
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Yours as well.
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There is a lot of texture and depth to this post. It sticks out to me. I love the photos you shared, too!
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Jennifer very happy to have you come here. And your thoughts. Makes me happy that images spoke to you.
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Thank you my friend!
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Pleasure Jenni.
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Jenni. That’s the first anyone has spelled my name that way. I really like it!
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O my thank you, that was how my intuition worked. I like it much too dear Jenni!
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😀 😀 Blessings to you Narayan! (Is that your first name?)
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It is Jenni.
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Got it 😀
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Wonderful music and singing, and the story you tell. The best blog ever.
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Hey Michael, very rekindling words. Thank you so much. This song is an absolute delight to soul.
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A beautiful story, photograph and music…
1982? So you are a young man… And your parents must be about my age.
I hope they are well.
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Must be. Not a youngster but yes turned thirty two last month guglu ji 🙂 They are very well thanks for asking.
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My eldest daughter is from ’81, the youngest from ’82. So you’re like a distant cousin of theirs… And your parents must be around my age. They have to be careful, very, in this virus age. People above 60 are more vulnerable. I am glad they are well. 🙏🏻
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Yes, few years younger. And, father like then you ll be to me 🙂 Parents are well, i imagine this came out to be the most beautiful year of togetherness. I could see them each day.
Lovely to read from and write to you Brian. narayankaudinya@gmail.com/ if ever you want to write.
Narayan
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Mail duly noted. Stay safe.
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Lovely song 🙂
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One of my most loved and cherished song Krishna.
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What a handsome couple your parents were on their wedding day!
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Haha… Ma has a very different version of this day 🙂 but actually i am in love with this image, what it has stood for, and for that moment showing this time. 1982 wasn’t still a popular time for image makers in rural india.
Thank you so much.
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And, felt glad to have your words on this particular post.
Thank you again.
Nara x
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I found this post very touching, Narayan! Your parents’ wedding photo is lovely. I found the story of your uncle very beautiful, the music uplifting and joyful. Thank you for sharing this very personal post. ❤
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Lovely song and post! I can’t imagine losing something you loved doing so much.
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Thanks for visiting me. You took your own path, and probably an unusual one for your culture. As long as you can look back and say, yes, it was worth it!
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Emille, thanks for saying this. Thank you for coming. I hope I could say that Emilie. Very thoughtful comment.
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