Sumi unfolded her old Banarasi sari. It’ll do. No point wasting money on a new one. The wedding gift was the last item on her list. Sumi had racked her brain for a good yet inexpensive gift. But she knew Rupa would outdo her again. Why, at the last family wedding, she had gifted the bride diamond bangles.

Rupa, her twin sister - with her perfect husband, big house and perfect kid. Rupa had been the chirpy, pretty one, while she was shy and studious. Rupa married a rich NRI from New York, while she became an English professor in Delhi and married her colleague Arjun. ‘God knows what Rupa will gift this time,’ Sumi wondered as she folded her sari.

x

“Sumi, Arjun, welcome!” A harried, plump woman in a pink sari hugged Sumi amidst sounds of dholak, folk singing and smells of puri chhole.

“Vinnie di, bahut bahut badhai.”

“Thank you. A thousand things to be done. Your Jijaji has gone to the airport for Rupa.”

Sumi felt a twinge of hurt. No-one came to the train station for her family, yet Jijaji himself went to pick Rupa. Arjun squeezed her hand.

“Vinnie di, come. I haven't seen you dance in ages.” Sumi pulled her towards the dholak’s thumping sound.

“I’ll cause an earthquake in Lucknow.” Vinnie giggled.

“Hello everyone!” an excited voice called out. It was Rupa. “Vinnie di, Sumi! After so long.”

Sumi smiled and hugged her twin. “Naren and Sammy?”

“I've come alone. Naren had some urgent work and Sammy has exams coming up. Come, let’s join the fun.”

Sumi watched as her NRI sister enchanted everyone into songs, dances and laughs.

Two bundles of energy hugged her legs. “Ma, khana.” Sumi's daughter looked up with pleading eyes.

Sumi’s family and Rupa sat on the floor to eat. “Just like old days,” Sumi said to Rupa.

She saw a wistful look on Rupa’s face, her eyes moist.

“Are you okay?”

Rupa nodded. “The chhole are spicy.”

x

The wedding was big, noisy and beautiful. “Sumi and Rupa mausi, meet your bahu,” Tinku the bridegroom said.

They hugged the pretty, shy bride. Sumi gave her gift, a set of sterling silver bowls.

Tinku grinned at Rupa. “I've been trying to guess your gift.”

Rupa laughed and handed them an envelope. “It’s a travel package to Mauritius.”

Oohs and aahs filled the air.

Sumi gave Rupa a knowing smile. “Just like I expected.”

“Couldn't let them down.”

They sat together, watching the women in sequined saris and the men in sherwanis.

“I didn't tell you the truth.” Rupa stared ahead. “Naren said he has no time for a small-town gaudy wedding. Between his work, club buddies and golf, I hardly see him nowadays. And I didn't have the courage to ask Sammy – he's a complete American teen now. I feel so alone in my own home, Sumi. Wish I hadn't decided to go so far away.”

Sumi looked at her sister in shock. She reached for Rupa’s hand, as a silent tear fell down her cheek.