Dimple & Rikin
September 3, 2022
The day before my birthday I had the pleasure of messaging a cute dude who claimed to say he said hi first… I must admit I was late to our first date and tried calling him multiple times but silly me, on my coffee meets bagel profile I said “I hate it when people are out to dinner and on their phones!” Well did he listen! I have to say the best first date ever!!
Date number one! Was a balancing act without a phone and with a girl that doesn’t like pizza. Started with an appetizer some beer nuggets(they are like knots) that’s all Dimple ate, and it ended with a hug and a panda. So remember to order some knots cause for all you know in a couple years, it may lead to a site like this to celebrate the tying of knots!
Cantina Loredo, the day we had a triple date with my best friends after celebrating mutual friends! Also a day to remember as it was the first time he was introduced to some of the bridal party!
So now that we had been dating for a while I figured I’d see what my family thought of her. Going into this I figured they would say some stories and make Dimple laugh. But what had actually transpired was them all teaming up and making fun of me! Now, in a normal circumstance this would suck! But knowing my family and Dimple I knew it was a great night and they will get together perfectly. So I let the jokes continue as we had our awesome Italian dinner and capped it off with this awesome family picture!
When Rikin found out that my parents were going to be at the same wedding as one of his best friends in Cancun, let's just say he was eager to meet them before they met him in a different realm. He took my parents to their favorite restaurant CPK. The dinner didn't last nearly as long as the conversations they had on Saladmaster (cookware), him explaining how he isn't a guy who mows the lawn, but an engineer in the agriculture field. These conversations soon led into him asking which flight they were going to take to Cancun... Parents: "United"... Rikin: "What time, Which one?"... WE'RE on the SAME Flight! Parents: "Wait really, this is great, WE are ALL on this flight!" Rikin asking in confusion: "All?" Parents: " our family friends are also on this flight!" This is where I knew he was in for the long haul, what boyfriend stays that calm while meeting parents only to find out in a few days he is about to meet a clan of their friends! Nevertheless he made the best first impression on the parents and the family friends, which led to more dinners and more conversations on how he ended up being their son as opposed to being a JAMAI (son-in-law). Side note: many know that Rikin is an amazing cook and well the parents don't tell him much but always prefer his cooked meals over any other restaurants now!
A photo of memories! The coconut and coin ceremony, is the cultural start of traditionally getting engaged! They day after the proposal Dimple getting the blessing from her grandma was a great moment. Knowing how happy she was for us that day and knowing that I was accepted in their family was a sign of relief. It was also a reminder to me that my grandmas were watching over us in that moment. We love you Ba, Dadi & Dohi!
The ladies whom I never met yet see them everyday in these five! When Rikin and I first started dating, he mentioned to me that he grew up with both his grandmas, at first I didn’t question it. He then preceded to tell me they both lived in the same house! I was taken back a bit, I thought how is this possible you hear the paternal grandmother staying with the family but here two! He was brought up by both his grandmothers! My parents were shook they were shocked and happy at the same time! The queens of the Parikh household. Rikin has told me many stories of them so it was only fair to have them be a part of a milestone in our lives. They blessed us from above and were illustrated in the family portrait! A gift I adore and everyone cherishes!
We spent days making sure we picked the right invite that was useful! We are excited to see the different pictures you’ll put in your frames! ❤️
My Ba, the strongest person I know. My grandmother's motto was to keep on going. No matter how many things are thrown her way she prevailed every single time. From seeing my ba and her struggle to seeing her success in her kids and grandkids, we have come a long way. My fondest memory with her would be while going on on regular check ups to the doctors office. She was very particular when it came to her health. Her medications were to be given on time, if not then she would think it was out and say I told you to go and get it why did you let it run out. I know to not hear that I would make sure that at 9pm on the dot she received all her medications. Another was her first time meeting Rikin, she was relieved along with my Dada’s sister Sharda Ba, they both grilled Rikin making sure he was right for their granddaughter. The day of the coconut ceremony was the day she was the happiest, and said “don’t worry you always have my blessings” we’re both the blessed from our angel above eternally!
Dada’s face in all the pictures he is in look like “The thug life didn’t choose me, I chose the thug life myself!” The man who makes all the decisions. Behind his firmness was his jokester self. Every time I would see him he would tease me and called me Bhokhi (toothless), because every time I saw him I would have a tooth missing. The same guy who would tease me for eating too many candies, was also the source of my candies, it was our little secret! The man with a firm face left an ever lasting impression that made all jokes that came our way funny as opposed to offensive. He also had thought that my name wasn’t Dimple so in his records he has me down by another (something we won’t disclose)…
This dude is our happiness! The day Dimple told me that she has a dog,I was like yes! Lucky has made the Parikh household a dog house!! Who let the dogs out who who who!! Lucky the dude! Adopted at 6 months and for the past 7 years he's been the constant in my life. The one who is what everything is centered around. Love how Rikin fit into our lives ;)! Guess who Lucky loves the most?
Buddy that’s what I used to call him. He was the go to when it came to getting 2 soft tacos and a bean burrito. He is the main source of my taco bell addiction. Every Sunday before going to the mandir we would stop and grab taco bell and some jolly ranchers. He always made it a point to take me to all the take your child to work day. As a kid I thought that was the coolest thing for two reasons one to get out of school and two to sit in a school bus and see high school kids! Felt like I was on the Magic School Bus, as it was always a learning experience! Calm and collected this guy definitely goes to the ends to fight for his own and that’s what I’ve learned from him always put family first and then take your steps.
ILA! My best friend, sister, and above all MOM! She has blessed me with teaching me patience, calmness, and kindness. She always says no matter how upset the opposing person is, always listen understand and then speak. I defer from the lesson from time to time but she always brings me back. My best memories are with her. I have become more brave, more stronger and more kinder. Let you in on a secret, she’s the GARBA queen, catch her on the floors, the challenge is for you to keep up! I know I can’t, but she is the reason I love dance and garba so much!
My baby brother, I have to say he’s been there for it all, I except the first 6 years of my life. My life changed for the better in 1996 when he was born. Like a doll I remember dressing him up and taking care of him, Im not sure around when he grew up and started to take care of me. His decisions don’t always settle well with me as I become the overprotective sister, called me little mom, that 6 year gap feeling slowly changed to a no year gap and this kid became an adult also grew few inches on me lol. He pushes through the toughness and always prevails just like my ba. My memories with him are never ending one had to be growing up mom used to hide our halloween candies and this kid would find it within minutes. Either mom was really bad at hiding or Param’s sweet tooth held no chance against the seeking. If you’re looking for him, he’ll be at the desert table!
Dhwanil and I met in college my Sophmore year. The love he had for Chicago sports, was one of our few connections. As years went by I knew he was going to be a brother for life, one that I can definitely count on! He is one of the few that can pick on me and get away with it. Dhwanil for the longest time in the Parikh household was known as the one that ate Oreos after he said he was so full to finish dinner. Just like myself, he enjoys the simple moments and acts like a kid most of the time! Little did I know he went to elementary school with Dimple.
TWO decades on this one and she still never fails to amaze me. We met at the temple, and she claims that I had bullied her... Which ever it was I wish I recalled as we have too many memories together. She's the best friend, sister and above all greatest human being I have encountered. We have shared many milestones in life and have many more to go. She is the one to keep me on tract. My forever garba along with the matron, tequila, dance and many other things of a partner is a go getter and dreamer. Megha and I continued to meet at the Temple and then proceeded to find that we were both passionate about garba, that we would drive an hour just to go and play! Check us on Friday the 2nd as there is no stopping the crew, and where it all begin.
Salwa and I went to Highschool together, yet didn't become friends until UIC! The first time I interacted with her was in the cafeteria, with our mutual friend Kripa. We started doing weekly lunches, which later led to matching schedules, matching train rides, and now matching wedding event locations! In the span of 20 years we have gone through many ups and downs, and celebrated many milestones. From being ambitious to being risky we've done many things together. My fondest memories with her are the ones that lasted till 4am drinking her Baba's chai while sitting on her couches pondering on life. We both discussed how we were never going to find men who would compliment us, and how we are too ambitious to go down that route. 15 years later here we are Sal, getting married to the mans of our dreams and in the same year, what a blessing! Can't wait to continue our lives motto " If I am to be disturbed, you are as well!"
Shivam is the sweetest and kindest soul. I met him while in Highschool at good ole Schaumburg Library, when he asked me to watch his belongings while he went to the restroom. While walking away he said "I'll be right back" then didn't show for 45 minutes! Now knowing Shivam for all these years, it makes sense! Shivam is a very social person and so that day he ran into someone and struck up a conversation. But then 45 mins later realized that someone random (me) was watching his stuff. That “I'll be right back” is now a true statement, since this guy will always be right back, all while having your back! His friends are like family to him and always does his best to pick me up when I am down! He is one of my best friends and simply a good person. I must have done something great to attain this friendship from a simple “I’ll be right back!" From my experience with Shivam he's never let anyone down!
