However, I believe that weddings should not be an event meant to display flamboyance, weddings are a celebration of two people coming together, a union of two families and that’s what matters the most. Dadaji, too, feels that weddings should not be extravagant but full of heartfelt gestures and following traditional rituals. I second his opinion.

I tried explaining my point of view to Naitik but he insisted that he wants the best Rashmi’s wedding. We even had an argument when Naitik insisted on hiring a chef instead of our regular halwai. Even though we had already ordered a gold chain for Nikhilji and lehenga for Rashmi, Gayatri Ma and Naitik bought a different one, a modern chain for Nikhilji and an expensive lehenga for Rashmi. This kind of extravagance was not displayed during Nandini didi’s wedding or even mine, so why now? During the engagement, Gayatri Ma was unnecessarily worried that the gifts we purchased for Nikhilji’s family may seem lacking as his family bought lots of gifts for us. She also felt that the ring that we have bought for him may seem ordinary to Nikhil. I tried getting Gayatri Ma to calm down but she got further upset and I felt hurt by her behaviour. However, my mood was soon uplifted as Naitik and I shared some romantic moments during the function. Naitik surprised me by gifting me bangles. It felt so good that Naitik thought of planning something special for me in spite of being busy with the hectic wedding preparations and his work. He also made sure that I had a huge smile on my face, with his cute gestures while clicking my photographs.

As they say, all’s well that’s ends well. Nikhilji loved the ring we bought and he said he loves simple and elegant jewellery. It was just as he wanted. Gayatri Ma was relieved and all of us were happy.

There was a slight hitch that upset Naitik but I felt that the issue was blown out of proportion. Although the guests liked the food our halwai prepared, there was a child who insisted on having pasta, which our cooks had not prepared. Naitik was upset with this incident although I cajoled the child by luring him with ice-cream. He was also worried because the guests were not praising the arrangements at the function. I tried explaining to him that just because they did not praise it, does not mean that they did not like it. Naitik disagreed and is now insisting on handling the wedding preparations all by himself.

I understand that Naitik and Gayatri Ma want only the best for Rashmi but I really can’t understand what the fuss is about. I, for one, would prefer an intimate ceremony rather than an over the top event. All this made me think about my own wedding. My sangeet was held in my house and we had performed the traditional ghoomar, instead of any modern dance. We also did not feel the need for any choreographers as we have been performing this dance since childhood and learnt it from our elders. The food was traditional and the rings too were simple. We had hired our local beautician and dress designer and everything worked out just fine. We did not feel the need to splurge on unnecessary things just for pomp and splendour.

Friends, I am not against spending money especially when we can afford to spend it, but it is the unnecessary waste of money that I disapprove of. The same money can be gifted to the couple as an investment for their future. Am I wrong in thinking so? Do write in with your views and let me know what you feel at [email protected]

Fan comments

Rashmi Parekh- Hi Akshara, Hope next week's episode does not show you having any arguments with Gayatri maa regarding the sarees for the wedding. Let her buy expensive sarees, don't interfere or else the blame will come on u for something or the other. You concentrate on yourself and Naitik's wardrobe for a change. Sometime ago I had written that we were tired of seeing you in net sarees and Naitik in plain boring shirts. Make him wear some thin pin striped shirts. He will look very handsome in them. Nice bright colours. He is fair and can carry all colours. And what has happened to his eyes? They appeared swollen?? Please ask him to take care. Hope to see you soon in different sarees and hairstyle. However, YRKKH rocks just like you and Naitik do! Love you both and hugs.
Akshara- Hi Rashmi, It is nice to know that you follow the show so closely and have observed so much. Thanks for your lovely suggestions, we will definitely consider them. Keep watching and writing in with your opinion and advice.

Nausheen Shehzad- Hi Akshara / Hina. You are truly amazing. I just love your show. I wish more people were like you. Keep up the good work.
Akshara- Thanks for the compliments Nausheen. It really means a lot to me. We promise to keep entertaining you so keep watching Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.

Akash Iyer- Hi Akshara, I am Akash R Iyer studying engineering in Mysore and basically from Kerala. Did you remember me that I used to comment your status in facebook page? I am very big fan of you and Naitik. I really love your YRKKH serial and I started watching from the very first episode but sadly I m having hearing impaired problem as I wont be able to understand dialogues clearly. By the way I try to understand the feelings, actions and more . My grand mother doesn’t know Hindi and told her that your serial s remade in Tamil coming in star Vijay and she really likes your serial a lot and she will never miss any episodes. I really wanted your serial to have English subtitles so that I and all hearing impaired people all over India would follow clearly. Please reply me back and Im really grateful to you.
Akshara- Hi Akash, It is great to know that both you and your grandmother watch Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and enjoy our show. I consider it as a compliment that you understand my feelings through the emotions that I display onscreen. I will pass on your suggestion about subtitles to the team and hopefully it will work out. Take care.

Aporna Banik-Im Aporna from Bangladesh. I just love this serial because this story is much more similar with our life and also different from others. But in reality luckily only a few can get such a loving & caring husband & family. Anyway your performance is so good just keep it up & best of luck. And you also please pray for me. Bye. Take care.
Akshara -Hi Aporna, It’s great to know that you can identify with our story and yes you are right I am lucky to have such a loving husband and family. Thanks for the kind words.

Rohit Dudani- Hii. Hina. How are you? You never reply to my mails. I’m a big fan of yours and want to meet you. I love you Hina. Please reply. Please do reply on my id. I would b thankful to you if you reply.
Akshara -I hope you are happy that I replied to your mail Rohit. Do keep watching our show and writing in with your feedback and suggestions.

Rashmi Parekh-Hi Akshara, Hope next week's episode does not show you having any arguments with Gayatri maa regarding the sarees for the wedding. Let her buy expensive sarees, don't interfere or else the blame will come on u for something or the other. You concentrate on yourself and Naitik's wardrobe for a change. Sometime ago I had written that we were tired of seeing you in net sarees and Naitik in plain boring shirts. Make him wear some thin pin striped shirts. He will look very handsome in them. Nice bright colours. He is fair and can carry all colours. And what has happened to his eyes? They appeared swollen?? Please ask him to take care. Hope to see you soon in different sarees and hairstyle. However, YRKKH rocks just like you and Naitik do! Love you both and hugs.
Akshara-Hi Rashmi, It is nice to know that you follow the show so closely and have observed so much. Thanks for your lovely suggestions, we will definitely consider them. Keep watching and writing in with your opinion and advice.

Nausheen Shehzad- Hi Akshara / Hina. You are truly amazing. I just love your show. I wish more people were like you. Keep up the good work.
Akshara-Thanks for the compliments Nausheen. It really means a lot to me. We promise to keep entertaining you so keep watching Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.

Akash Iyer- Hi Akshara, I am Akash R Iyer studying engineering in Mysore and basically from Kerala. Did you remember me that I used to comment your status in facebook page? I am very big fan of you and Naitik. I really love your YRKKH serial and I started watching from the very first episode but sadly I m having hearing impaired problem as I wont be able to understand dialogues clearly. By the way I try to understand the feelings, actions and more . My grand mother doesn’t know Hindi and told her that your serial s remade in Tamil coming in star Vijay and she really likes your serial a lot and she will never miss any episodes. I really wanted your serial to have English subtitles so that I and all hearing impaired people all over India would follow clearly. Please reply me back and Im really grateful to you.
Akshara-Hi Akash, It is great to know that both you and your grandmother watch Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and enjoy our show. I consider it as a compliment that you understand my feelings through the emotions that I display onscreen. I will pass on your suggestion about subtitles to the team and hopefully it will work out. Take care.

Aporna Banik, Im Aporna from Bangladesh. I just love this serial because this story is much more similar with our life and also different from others. But in reality luckily only a few can get such a loving & caring husband & family. Anyway your performance is so good just keep it up & best of luck. And you also please pray for me. Bye. Take care.
Akshara-Hi Aporna, It’s great to know that you can identify with our story and yes you are right I am lucky to have such a loving husband and family. Thanks for the kind words.

Rohit Dudani- Hii. Hina. How are you? You never reply to my mails. I’m a big fan of yours and want to meet you. I love you Hina. Please reply. Please do reply on my id. I would b thankful to you if you reply.
Akshara-I hope you are happy that I replied to your mail Rohit. Do keep watching our show and writing in with your feedback and suggestions.