At every happy occasion in our family, one special guest is always present—Aunt Sharda. We lovingly call her “the one who adds sparkle to the celebration,” because wherever she goes, she doesn’t just add charm—she turns the whole event into a grand spectacle. The only difference is that her sparkle sometimes bursts like fireworks.
Last month, it was my cousin’s wedding. The family had planned to keep the ceremonies simple and elegant. But the moment Aunt Sharda arrived, simplicity quietly slipped into a corner. When she opened her suitcase, it seemed to contain more suggestions than clothes. “These curtains are too light—they won’t impress the groom’s uncle,” she declared on the very first evening. By the next day, new curtains were already hanging.
On the mehendi night, she pulled the DJ aside and changed the entire playlist. “Is this a wedding or a memorial service?” she joked, replacing the old songs with lively dance numbers. Then she climbed onto the stage and danced so energetically that even the bride shyly stepped aside. Guests rushed to record videos on their phones. Beaming with pride, Aunt Sharda said, “See? Now the celebration has come alive!”
Her contribution to the food arrangements was equally memorable. The poor caterer kept wiping his sweat as she tasted every dish and offered detailed opinions. “The jalebi lacks enthusiasm,” she said with a serious expression. The cook immediately added two more ladles of ghee. The result? Guests praised the jalebi, and Aunt Sharda proudly claimed victory.
During the farewell ceremony, when everyone was emotional, she lightened the mood. Turning to the groom, she said, “Son, if you ever trouble our girl, I’ll come and make you dance myself!” Everyone burst into laughter. Even the bride smiled through her tears.
After the wedding ended, the house felt a little empty. There was less noise—but also less fun. That’s when we realized that Aunt Sharda truly is the life of the party. A little chaos, a little drama, and endless laughter—that’s her magic. Now we’re already waiting for the next wedding, because without her, any celebration feels incomplete.
RAJEEV VERMA 