Dear Shivani,

It’s here. After all the screaming, planning and tears, what we’ve waited for since we were immature teenagers is finally here. You’re getting married, my love.

As I reminisce in our memories, I still remember the first time I met you: the new students district orientation in Plainsboro, New Jersey. Our parents were pushing us to make new friends, but we were so resentful because we wanted to be back where we came from. I kind of avoided talking to you only because you had come from India and I didn’t want you to be another overly grade-obsessed, accent-heavy person. Boy, I was judgmental. But, I’m glad I spent those few minutes with you in the halls of that middle school. We exchanged numbers, and it was like magic. We started texting, and then in high school, we were inseparable.

The be-fat-with-me Chipotle runs, prom dress shopping, Bollywood movies (needless to mention the "Emotional Atyachar" episodes), the frustration over AP Bio and other classes, and even fangirling over Siddarth Malhotra enough to go as far to make iron-on shirts – you were always the sunshine in my darkness, as I hoped to be the same for you.

Moving separated me physically from you, but the emotional bond between us was never, ever touched. We were there through each other’s heartbreaks and tears, laughter and pain. The boys weren’t pointless; they gave us more wisdom to walk through the unpredictable currents of life to help us find the perfect men, our forever soulmates. We were there for each other when doubts of insecurity and self-doubt about our abilities arose, prompting us to think if we’d even make doctors. Look at us now. The drunken nights were totally worth it.

Everyone here is proud of you. Your family, friends and most of all me. Dr. Chitre, you’re finally saving lives like you aspired to during our college years. You’re a brilliant psychiatrist, but more than that, you are a beautiful daughter, lovely partner and an even better best friend. I will always be the one clapping even after everyone has stopped, standing in the crowd with a bright yellow banner to embarrass you beyond limits.

You look beautiful, needless to say, in your designer red mast lengha and elegant jewelry. I guess the Pinterest #BigFatBollywoodWedding board did us well. However, I want you to know something. Through all the wedding craziness and fun, don’t even forget this is your day. This is the day between you and him. I always see the way he looks at you and makes you feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Although I know I’ll have to share, I’m happy to know he will always be holding your hand when I’m not there. I don't need to tell him that he better not make you shed a tear because I know he loves you a teeny bit more than I do (hate to admit that!) and that is more than enough to say you're in great hands. We've really found amazing men, Shivs.

My vedi mulgi, I'm not ever going to thank you for tolerating me or my irritating-side because that's your job. But I will always be in debt to you for giving me the privilege of having a relationship with both the kindest and most beautiful soul in the world. It's hard to fathom living a life without your presence. You're my person, and you always will be the same for me. I love you, bestie. Have fun on your honeymoon, and I'm definitely dragging you to stroll Marines, eat Vada Pav from Chowpatty Beach and shop like mad from Linking Road once you're back.

Congrats, Bride. Today starts a new adventure you're going to embark on. You will face difficulty and obstacles, but I'm always here for you regardless the hour of the day. Marriage is tough, but with the man you have, it'll always be a thrill.

Love,

Tan