Twenty five years ago, I met the love of my life without really even knowing he was going to be the one. In India arrange marriages are common to maintain the caste system and gain approval from both families. I was in India at the time and my husband was in Canada with his brother. Keep in mind, I was only 21 at the time and wanted to finish my studies before I committed to a relationship. My family then showed me a photo of a man and as soon as I looked at it I was not ready to make the commitment yet. I stored the photo under my mattress and about two weeks later I took another look at it. I was pretty conflicted on if this was a good idea to pursue.
Around a month later, my dad picked me up from the hostel I was staying at which was a dorm. He insisted I go meet the man I was suppose to marry and his family. Furthermore, I walked into a room with three men waiting and I was overwhelmed and not sure who the man I was getting introduced to. After our parents finished talking, I was still not interested in pursuing something serious at such a young age. Out of the blue, the man’s family contacted my family to make a commitment of marriage. My dad then picked me up and booked a Rokha ceremony which is an engagement before the wedding. I was definitely not ready for this drastic step in my life, but I also wanted to follow my parents wishes. I decided to give it a try and we officially met and communicated for the first time after the Rokha. Exactly ten days later, we were married. In today’s society this type of arrangement is less likely, but as the time passed after our marriage I began to fall in love with this man. Within a year I was in love, with the conversations, the adventures and building a life long relationship with my soulmate. It’s surprising to know how two strangers can become best friends and connect on a special level so quickly. Our initial plan was to travel to Bali and spend our 25th anniversary there, but unfortunately with COVID we had to adjust our plans. I decided to wear my wedding outfit to relive the day. The pictures turned out breathtaking and it’s amazing to see the difference in my makeup, the way I look in the outfit and the photography. Fast forward twenty five years later, with two grown children this man still protects me and showers me with unconditional love.
