The pressure to look my best on my wedding day is killing me

With just three months left for my wedding, I am getting jittery already. And no, it's got nothing to do with adjusting to a new family and a new culture.

The problem is that I am expected to look my best on my wedding day. Glowing skin, porcelain complexion, and a svelte figure.

I come from a family where physical attributes are as important as oxygen. And you are no good unless you look like a diva at all times. So, you can imagine my horror at the thought of being inspected by hundred of aunties at the same time. I can imagine my extended family going all "hai yeh kya ho gaya! Skin kitni dark ho gayi hai."  And boy is it giving me nightmares!

To be honest, I don't pay too much attention to my physical appearance. Going to the gym and spending hours in a beauty salon is too much of a task for me. Living in a metropolitan alone and fending for myself leaves me with little energy. As a result, my weekends are spent lying in bed and catching up on some much-needed beauty sleep.

Also read: I want a simple wedding, but log kya kahenge? Aargh...

Oh, did I mention that I have never in my life gone through the torture that is hair removal? Yes, that includes threaded eyebrows, a hair-free upper lip, and waxed limbs.

With the wedding just around the corner, I am now expected to get all of this done. Why should I have to go through this pain of being hair-free now? Or sit for exhaustive pre-bridal procedures that cost the moon and the earth.

Those who love to be pampered this, see it as a treat. But, I don't have much patience for beauty procedures, where people tug at my skin and rip hair off my face and body. I am just happy being a hairy bridezilla, thank you very much.

For years, I have managed to fend off the diktats imposed by my mum--but now, I am trapped. The other day, I was dragged to a parlour by my cousin to book an appointment for my bridal make-up. After examining my face, the woman in-charge clicked her tongue in disappointment.

"Kuch karvate nahi ho aap? Sabko karna padta hai, Katrina jaisa lagna hai ya nahi?" she reprimanded me.

I was sent back with homework. She wanted me to get rid of my facial and body hair before I visit her the next time. What atrocity is this?

I understand that a lot of women love getting dressed up and take a keen interest when it comes to their skin--but even they are bombarded with unrealistic expectations. Everyone wants you to look no less than Katrina Kaif on the wedding day, but is it possible?

Also read: Getting cold feet? 5 signs it's more than just wedding jitters

What about the zit that decided to make an appearance that very day? Or the bloated face that is the result of all the stress piled upon the bride-to-be? Why not let the girl breathe and just relax. It's anyway a daunting road ahead. The least we can do is not barrage her with superficial and vain expectations.

Coming back to my hair-riddled conundrum, I am not sure how long I can keep my mother, sister, cousins, and that obscure parlour lady off my back. Maybe I will have to give in and go under the wax knife. But I promise, I won't go down without a fight!