Sometimes I feel like my life in Bombay sounds like it should come from the pages of a story about a make believe world. If it weren’t for photographic evidence, I’m not sure I would believe it myself. Where else is the world does your Monday morning start with your favorite Krispy Kreme doughnuts being hand delivered from Bangalore and banter with your girlfriends about what to wear to the inaugural ball that night?

Namaste America — Andrea Brown, MissMalini, Heena Jain

In this story, MissMalini plays the role of my fairy God Mother by making the magic happen. One wave of her invisible wand and I was suddenly attending the Inaugural ball in Honour of the 44th President of The United States of America, Barack Obama co-hosted by the U.S. Consul General, Peter Haas and Atul Nishar, President of Namaste America all while draped in a stunning blue Anita Dongre sari.

I spent most of Monday evening counting my blessings. It’s not often you are given the opportunity to celebrate not only your own country, but their relationship with your country of residence. My favorite part of the ceremony was the core message of the live telecast of the Presidential Address from Washington D.C.: We are all in this together.

Other highlights from the evening included:

Michelle Obama’s new fringe. The First Lady is seriously stylish.

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Oh, and my girlfriends are too! I’m a tid bit obsessed with MissMalini’s Nishka Lulla creation.

Sasha Obama yawning during her father’s speech. Busted.

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The Beyonce lip-syncing debate. She looked so stunning, I couldn’t care either way.

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Standing ovations at the gala for President. Go on and melt my heart why don’t you, Mumbai.

The End.

Expat Unplugged: A Night at the Ball.

Expat Unplugged: A Night at the Ball.