Words of Love: Erin Wedding at Erin Estate, Ontario

September 3, 2024 Parallel

A letter to Ritu and Jeet…

Ritu has been my best friend since day one. Ever since she was little, Ritu was always a bundle of energy and joy. She made friends everywhere she went, and she would always go out of her way to stand up for people. She always notices when someone needs to be cheered up and is usually the first person to celebrate her family and friends' meaningful moments.

I think very highly of my little sister, so when I was first introduced to Jeet, I was like, "Hmm, I wonder if this guy is just as awesome as this little sister that I have." But as I got to know him, I felt more and more convinced that there's no better partner for Ritu than Jeet.

Jeet loves to celebrate all things big and small. He's not afraid of prancing around like a little kid and just enjoying himself. He's a family man, and he prioritizes relationships. He's also really smart and ambitious and supports Ritu through whatever cool adventure she wants to go on. All in all, he's just a really lovely human who makes Ritu very, very happy.

My relationship with Jeet has evolved over the years. When we were younger, we were very much the typical brothers. Being an older brother, I tried my best to serve as a role model. Over time, it has evolved into being best friends and really looking up to each other and respecting what we've achieved in our lives.

As a proud parent, it fills my heart with happiness to stand before you all and deliver this speech on this very special day. Ritu, I want to express how proud I am of the incredible woman you have become. From the moment you were born, you filled our lives with boundless love and laughter. You have always been an extraordinary source of joy, and today, as I look at you, I am overwhelmed by the beautiful woman you have blossomed into. Your heart is filled with kindness, compassion, and empathy, and you have touched the lives of those around you. Your strength and determination have been a constant inspiration to me, and I have no doubt that you will continue to bring light and happiness to everyone around you.

Kushal and Jeet have been our two strong pillars. From a very cute, smiling, and happy kid to a smart, intelligent, and accomplished entrepreneur—words cannot express how proud we are of his growth and success.

Ritu and Jeet have brought out the most authentic versions of themselves. Jeet's presence has made Ritu even more radiant and joyful, and I just want to say, regardless of where you are in life, I want you to know that I'll always be there for you, just as you've been for me. Our friendship has endured so many seasons of constant togetherness and change, but the beauty of our bond is that it's unbreakable, no matter the distance or the time.

Wishing them all the best and a glorious lifetime! Cheers to them—hip, hip, hooray!

I met Ritu around eleven years ago. I knew I could always count on Ritu to be the bright and positive person that she always has been. She has always been kind to those around her, considerate, and gentle with her words and actions. Most of my happiest memories and biggest adventures were with Ritu.

I've had the pleasure to get to know three different versions of Jeet. Over the last twenty years, I've seen Jeet's very loving and caring side at home with his family. In school, I've seen how smart and disciplined he is, and in cricket, I've seen how much grit he has. I'm really looking forward to spending the rest of our lives together in the unique capacity we've had over the last twenty years for the rest of our lives.

When I think of Ritu, the word that comes to my mind is "support." Ritu has a special way of making you feel seen, heard, and understood. Whenever I needed a shoulder to cry on, Ritu was there. Ritu always just seems to know what to say. When I think about a model friend, Ritu comes to mind, and I continually strive to show up for the people in my life the way she shows up for me.

When I thought about Jeet, the word that comes to mind was "presence." Jeet gives his full attention to everything that he does. This presence is something I have always deeply admired, and as it's rubbed off on me, I've found myself so grateful to get to see the world through his eyes.

Ritu has been my best friend, my teammate, and my cheerleader for the last seven years, and every year our connection has grown stronger. I am in awe of her intelligence, her beauty, and her fierceness, and that's what makes me most excited to marry her today.

Today, I have a husband. I am literally my happiest with you, and I'm so, so, so grateful that we get the rest of our lives to continue doing this and better.

May your love grow deeper with each passing day, and may your journey together be filled with endless happiness, love, and shared adventure. Congratulations to both of you! As you begin this new chapter of your life, remember that marriage is a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual respect. Cherish and nurture the bond that you share!