Sonia Gandhi has shared some interesting memories of her early days in India in her newly released memoir, *Belonging – A Journey of Love*. The book recalls the special relationship she developed with Amitabh Bachchan’s family before her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi in 1968. After arriving in Delhi in January that year, Sonia was welcomed into the Bachchan family home. Rajiv Gandhi, his brother Sanjay and Amitabh Bachchan reportedly received her at the airport. Amitabh’s mother, Teji Bachchan, warmly welcomed her and soon became an important maternal figure in her life. ### Teji Bachchan’s Warm Welcome and Family Bond In her memoir, Sonia describes how Teji Bachchan helped her adjust to life in India through her guidance, care and affection. She also recalls meeting Amitabh’s father, the renowned poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, shortly after her arrival. His early morning walks and daily prayers became familiar parts of her experience at the house. Harivansh Rai Bachchan also helped Sonia learn some Hindi, although communicating in the language was initially difficult for her. One piece of advice he shared about public perception stayed with her and became more meaningful as she grew older. ### Wedding Celebrations at the Bachchan Residence Sonia Gandhi’s memoir also reveals an interesting detail about her wedding preparations with Rajiv Gandhi. Although wedding responsibilities traditionally belonged to the bride’s family, some important pre-wedding celebrations took place at the Bachchan residence. The floral jewellery ceremony, known as phoolon-ka-gehena, and the mehendi celebration were organised at their home. Other wedding arrangements took place at the residence of Indira Gandhi. Sonia remembers the celebrations as joyful occasions filled with tea, snacks, music and singing, with Rajiv’s friend Amit helping organise the festivities. ### A Special Gesture During a Difficult Period The memoir also highlights Teji Bachchan’s kindness during a difficult chapter in Sonia and Rajiv Gandhi’s lives. After the couple lost their first child, who was born prematurely, Teji gifted Sonia a puppy to offer comfort and companionship. The family named the dog Reshma, after Rajiv’s much-loved pet. Sonia recalls that caring for the puppy brought her

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