February Diaries: Family, Fun, and a Wedding Full of Smiles

 

February Diaries: Family, Fun, and a Wedding Full of Smiles

February arrived with a different kind of energy this year—lighter, happier, and full of togetherness. It felt like the month itself was smiling. For me, the second month of the year began not with routine, but with packed bags, excited conversations, and the promise of celebration.

On 1st February, we left for Ballia, ready to attend a very special wedding in the family—my husband’s mamaji’s son’s wedding, or simply put, devar ki shaadi. What followed over the next few days was laughter, rituals, long talks, and memories that will stay with me for a long time.

The Journey That Set the Mood

The journey to Ballia itself felt festive. There is something special about travelling with family—shared snacks, repeated questions of “kitna time lagega?”, laughter over small things, and that collective excitement that builds as you get closer to your destination.

We reached Ballia with tired bodies but happy hearts. The warmth with which we were welcomed instantly made the travel fatigue disappear.

Wedding Vibes Begin

The wedding celebrations officially took place on 5th February, but the joy started much earlier. From the moment we arrived, the house was full—voices overlapping, relatives meeting after long gaps, children running around, and elders guiding everyone through traditions.

Every corner had something happening:

• Preparations for rituals

• Conversations that went on till late night

• Shared meals that tasted better because they were eaten together

The wedding day itself was beautiful. The decorations, the clothes, the music, the rituals—everything came together perfectly. Seeing the groom dressed for his big day, surrounded by family, was truly heart-warming.

Celebrations, Laughter, and Togetherness

What I enjoyed most was not just the wedding ceremony, but the togetherness. Everyone was present—relatives from different places, elders sharing stories from the past, youngsters capturing moments, and the house filled with laughter almost all the time.

There were moments of pure fun:

• Endless photo sessions

• Teasing and jokes

• Dancing without worrying about steps

• Late-night conversations that somehow felt healing

It reminded me how important family gatherings are. They pull you out of daily routines and remind you of where you belong.

Missing Two Special People

While the entire family was present, two very special people—my two lovely sisters-in-law—could not attend due to unavoidable reasons. Their absence was felt deeply. Every time we gathered for photos or sat together, there was a silent reminder that something was missing.

Even though they were not physically present, they were very much in our thoughts. We missed them, spoke about them, and wished they were there to share the joy with us.

Returning With a Full Heart

After days filled with celebrations and warmth, we returned from Ballia on 6th February. Leaving was bittersweet. While it felt good to head back, a part of me wanted to pause time just a little longer.

I came back with:

• A heart full of happiness

• A phone full of photos

• And memories that made February feel special

February, You Were Kind

This wedding made the second month of the year feel good, fun, and meaningful. It reminded me that joy often lives in simple moments—shared meals, family laughter, and celebrations that bring everyone under one roof.

As Juhi the Explorer, I don’t just explore places—I explore moments, emotions, and connections. And February gave me plenty to explore.

Here’s to more months that feel this warm.

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By Juhi | Juhi the Explorer