Standing in front of the mirror, Sameer liked what he saw. The Royal Blue Sherwani suit still fit him snugly- falling comfortably over his shoulder, reaching his knees, partially covering the cream colored pyjama trousers. Sameer had worn this suit once before, on the night of his wedding, a typical sticky Indian summer night. Memories of that night seemed inseparable from the Sherwani suit, whose heavily embroidered surface resurfaced each time Sameer revisited that momentous night. Then, Sameer was jet lagged (arriving only two days prior to the ceremony), hungry and irritated by the constant murmur of frenzied mosquitoes. The Sherwani suit only added to his misery. Dry summer heat made him sweat profusely and the silk fabric gave him an unpleasant itch. Through out that night, while he exchanged pleasantries with numerous relatives, posed for what seemed like countless photos and performed endless rituals, the thought of eventually getting out of the Sherwani suit kept him functional and sane.
Ten years have passed since that night. In those ten years, Sameer’s world had changed tumultuously. His family grew in size, new members added – brought into this world by his doing. He is now a father, a husband, and an uncle – then, he was just a son. Carefree verging on irresponsible, an unbound soul transformed into a care taker, care giver and a bread winner. Repentant at times and mostly forgiving, as each year took something away from his former self, the departure allowed him no point of return. Until now.
Facing the full length mirror in the Wedding Sherwani Suit, Sameer quickly recognized an inkling of his former self. He was at once alarmed and equally relieved by this discovery .Why had this not happened before? His college denim (torn, ragged) still in the closet never managed to take him back to that unambiguous time. His recent attempts to fit into them only brought out looks of disapproval from Seema , cold silent stares which promptly made him reassign his closet hierarchy. Perhaps the clarity of what was lost can only be captured in the silent weavings of the blue that bore witness to Sameer’s transformation.
Ten years from now, facing a mirror and struggling to fit into the Blue Sherwani, Sameer will, for a moment wonder what his life would have been had not worn this Sherwani for a second time, ten years prior to that day and ten years after his wedding.
Sameer knows he cannot indefinitely remain in his (their) bedroom. He is not afforded that luxury of time. The reflection (of him?) in the mirror opens gateways to his willful past but those flood gates need guarding. For now, other matters are awaiting his attention. Seema is in the childrens’ room, and in a minute or two will need his assistance. He can already hear Aarti to get Arnav dressed. The toddler is already proving to be a
