Malathi

20th Jan 2006
Malathi's wedding

I remember the day when Malathi shyly told me, 'Steph, i've got something to tell you--i'm getting married!' I was ecstatic! No wonder something was different about her that day we met over coffee & tea at the AH cafeteria--there was a glow about her that i felt--though she was still the same dear Malathi to me.

Malathi and i met at one of the wards in AH at the start of my 3rd year medicine posting. She's a regular patient there because she has SLE. For those who know her, it's terrible how much she's been through, yet at the same time it's amazing how she keeps such a bright outlook to life! Honestly i don't think i would have the strength of character to stay so happy and cheerful..already with all my blessings--good health, caring parents-- i'm still b*tching about life more than i think necessary.

Anyway, she's one of those few angels in the world whom i really respect..and i'm proud to say we've become fast friends, meeting once in a while to catch up over dinner--whether in town, near her home or even at her home for deepavali dinner or even over a ballet concert under the stars! And i never thought the day would come when i would attend her wedding..I knew she always wanted to get married but was always discouraged by the men who could not accept her chronic disease and cushingnoid habitus (because of her steroids) Thus i'm truly happy for her and so honoured to be invited! She knew my ex-CG mates and invited them as well, but wendy and i are the closest to her and probably the most excited about her getting married. (Haha wendy was screaming with joy when Malathi and i called her to tell her the good news!)

Wendy and i went shopping for a wedding gift and got her a dining set..we were lugging this HUGE box of fragile crockery into the temple and when we saw no one else carrying presents we were having second thoughts. heh. Also we were seriously thinking of turning back to change into our prom dresses (we were wearing our work clothes) when we saw how beautiful the ladies were in their colourful saris and stunning gold jewellery and pretty flowers in their hair! But we saw the men wearing jeans and even berms(!!!) and decided we were't so bad after all.

Well we enjoyed ourselves tremendously, though we didn't really understand the ceremony. But it was a different and novel experience which we really appreciated.

Haha then came the last part of the day which was probably our favourite too..dinner time! We treated to a really sumptious meal at the canteen of the temple..fragrant saffron rice, crispy fritter, vegetable curry, vegetarian 'beef rendang' etc etc. And we had the remarkable experience of eating with our hands. We were trying hard to mimic the people around us but the rice kept dropping onto the plate before it reached our mouth. Hehe the Indian ladies next to us took pity and kindly taught us the correct way..We got better but still ended up being one of the last few to finish. Haha..unforgettable!