Do you have well wishers? Find out here....

In this whole wide world, you have only a few well wishers. Have you ever wondered who they are? It's not who remember your birthday year after year and wish you assiduously. It's not who Whatsapp you everyday or dutifully like all your posts on FB. It's not even the 2 am buddy who listens to you patiently while you cry your heart out.

To find out who your well-wishers are, you just have to attend a big fat Indian wedding or some such celebration. The best test conditions are offered before the wedding reception, when there is no beautician to help anyone or at least you because you are not highest in the hierarchy of guests. It's that occasion for which everyone has brought their finest clothes and jewellery. The functions, as is their dharma, are running late. There is a lot of pressure on everyone to get ready in time for baraat. You have to fight on various fronts. Tie that heavy sari, put on jewellery and makeup and do your hair. Now is the time for THE litmus test. 

When those pleats play rogue and refuse to fall in place, who is your dame in shining armour, who comes to your rescue armed with safety pins and we-can-conquer-it attitude? 
When that eyeliner gets uneven or smudged and your eyes look blacked-out rather than smoky, who comes to your aid with a cotton wad and cleanser? 
When that tika is flipping around like fish without water, who provides succor to it with body glue and a few hairpins? 
When you don't know if you should tie your hair or let them loose on humanity, who comes up with an honest advice and help? 
If someone does come to your rescue, then congratulations, my dear reader, you have found that rare species of a well-wisher. 

Moms generally fall under this category as do masis and sisters. But you never know for sure until they have passed this agnipareeksha. You can't blame them because the stakes are quite high. Everyone wants to look their best and mind you, they also have their own battles to fight. It takes sheer love for someone to make time and help them. In short, to dedicate time and energy for someone else to look good, needs pure, unadulterated love. Period.

It's not just about skills. There are many who are well versed at this stuff but wouldn't care to apply their expertise on you. On the other hand, there are a few who don't know the ABC of decking up. They still fumble along endearingly and hover around you for moral support. They even go out as emissaries scouting for help, looking to rope in more skilful people in your quest for beautification. You can't help loving them, those selfless souls, can you! Hug them tight and say a big thank you. I'm telling ya, you can trust them with your life, no kidding.

PS: Even if you don't use this as a test, just enjoy this theatre of fellow women getting decked for an occasion. It's one of the most entertaining reality shows you'll get to watch!