What does marriage mean to you?
Well in India, weddings last two or three days and take many months to plan. My friends and relatives arrived two days early and my brother hosted a cocktail party a day before the wedding. We were singing and dancing until 3 am even though I had to get up very early the morning after.
After three hours getting ready and adorned with Jewelry, makeup and my hair in place, I was ready. But the man who was to marry us, the Baraat, was two hours late!
Yet when we started Varmala (the garland exchange) it all seemed real. The ceremony ended around five in the morning; then we left my city HUSBAND and WIFE!
My mother never thought I’d get married. As child I had a massive stroke which paralysed one side of my body. This was devastating for us all. They treated me as normal but were concerned about my future. I asked out a guy at school and I’ll never forget his reply. “First become normal”.
I excelled in work, earning more than many men, but none wanted to marry me.
When I met Ankush I knew I loved him after a week. His family were sceptical, thinking I’d be weak and unable to take care of a home. But he stood firm saying “ I only want her”.
They relented and now here we are, madly in love two years later.
I’m blessed. He doesn’t see my flaws but only beauty in me. And to him I’m normal. There’s nothing I need more.
Story By: Aditi Grover Gupta
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