The "MaNgna": The "Rasums" begin

Before getting into the wedding details further, let me step back and steep into the present.
It is now two days to when my daughter's future In-Laws arrive for the official "MaNgna" or "bringing of the proposal".

Two days to put the finishing touches on the final plans for the initial "rasums".

The very first "rasum" we had was we -the Bride's side - had to purchase a "covering" - which is to say, a blanket or a shawl or something similar, to be presented to the Father-in-Law to-be.
This is the very first purchase before anything else is done, and sets the tone for the relationship and what you are willing to put into it.

This is how it went:

First as a back up plan we purchased a blanket over here in the US at a Department store. This was nice however there was very little effort that went into it other than driving to the Mall and walking to the store & pulling out the plastic.

So to make it meaningful we decided to get a 'Man's' shawl from the old country. But how to do this? How to choose, how to pay for it, and how to get it here?

So I called my childhood friend, Azhar - we grew up together.
I told him my problem. He said he would take care of it. There was one crucial condition the Rasum requires that we the Brides family pay for this 'gift' - so we had to arrange for the funds to be available for purchase. Somehow we managed to meet this requirement as well. I gave Azhar our requirements and choice of color.
Azhar obtained the Shawl in a white color with colored fringes. Then he had it shipped by DHL.
Till it got here we held on to the blanket from the Department store as a security blanket, so to speak.
Then the white shawl reached here, and we all breathed a deep sigh of collective relief and returned the Department store blanket back to them brand new never having been taking out of the bag even.
And the intent of obtaining something meaningful with thought and purpose and effort expended has been satisfied.

Keep tuned to learn how the future in-laws like the Shawl and how the whole event turned out.

From our perspective we are on the eve of a quantum-leap in family acquisition and expansion and the excitement in the air is palpable.

The house has been scrubbed clean, the carpets vacuumed, the china washed and food for thirty three people has been ordered - we decided to go with a Persian food place this first time, the Restaurant is called Bijan and is located on Hillcroft. We frequent it often and like the food. The owner Mr. Ameer was not present when we placed the order but his manager Mohammed Billal - AKA Tony - took care of us.

Tonight I have to put up the lights outside the house.
The flowers have been ordered and the container flowers are in bloom - next time I will post a photo.

The Engagement will immediately follow the "MaNgna". Photo's of that coming as well.

To all of you readers, please leave a comment, thanks for visiting and wish us good luck.