For the first time, when she was asked to introduce herself, she spoke her name, and it was the first time I had ever heard it. Interestingly, in the entire group, we were the only two students belonging to same communities. Yet, despite spending almost two and a half months on the same campus, we had barely exchanged a word. Not even a simple hello or hi!

Then came Diwali. On that particular occasion, I happened to speak rudely to her. Later that day, she was nowhere to be found. I became anxious because, by then, she had started occupying a significant place in my thoughts. I tried contacting her, but there was no response. My mind began entertaining all sorts of negative thoughts. However, by evening, I saw her returning with a packet of Afghani chicken in her hand, which she had brought for me. I was both surprised and happy.
That little gesture marked the beginning of something beautiful. Gradually, we started talking, having lunch and dinner together, and sharing our tea breaks. I still remember the appreciation and affection she showed me when she was preparing for what we initially thought would be a minor medical procedure, but which eventually turned out to be major surgery. Her words of appreciation touched me deeply. For the first time, I felt a kind of emotional reassurance that I had perhaps been missing in life. Her words melted my heart.
Fortunately, she recovered, and our conversations resumed with even greater comfort. It was November 17. Within barely a month of getting to know each other, we decided to get married. It might sound impractical to some, particularly considering the circumstances, including our financial uncertainty and my unemployment. Nevertheless, on November 17, 2025, we took that decision. It remains one of the happiest days of my life.
Being with her gives me a feeling that is difficult to express in words. It is the kind of happiness that gives you goosebumps. Today, after a long time, I saw my partner in a dream. I saw her waiting for me at a railway station, dressed in a black one-piece outfit, holding a bouquet of red roses. The moment I saw her, we hugged. Although it has not been very long since our marriage, the distance between us has made even the smallest moments of togetherness precious.
Owing to financial constraints and our shared ambition for a better future, we decided to prioritise our careers. Honestly, staying away from her is not easy, but circumstances leave us with limited choices. There might have been other possibilities, but perhaps my typical understanding of marriage, where a husband is expected to compromise and make adjustments, has also played its part!
Being somewhat narcissistic, I never imagined that I could love another person so deeply. Even when she first expressed her feelings, I could not have anticipated how things would eventually unfold. I still remember the occasion when she was making a rangoli. She picked up a few flower petals and showered them on me. Today, however, things have changed considerably. I hardly find a day, sometimes even an hour, when I do not think or talk about her.
Recently, she fell seriously ill. Fortunately, she recovered, but I could not visit her. She was understandably disappointed, although she did not express it openly. She remained quiet, and I could sense that something was bothering her. During the last week, we also had an argument, which, to be honest, has almost become a routine in our relationship, like a weekly dose of medicine!
Before marriage, she was usually the one who initiated conversations and made extra efforts to keep the relationship going. Now, according to her, the fish is already in the net, and she knows it is not going anywhere! Perhaps she has entered her well-deserved resting phase, leaving most of the efforts to me. Whether it is listening to her long conversations, managing her irritation or dealing with her mood swings, I have gradually learned that marriage also involves considerable patience. At times, she dominates our relationship the way Donald Trump dominates his counterparts. Nevertheless, these little differences and occasional arguments are also part of our journey.
Despite everything, it feels reassuring that we are happily living, learning and surviving together. Our first wedding anniversary is approaching, and I have been planning a surprise visit along with a few handmade gifts. My approach to this relationship has always been simple: I would never want to lose her. By the grace of God, things are going well, and I hope they continue to do so.
The purpose of sharing this experience is simple. If you find someone you genuinely want in your life, having that person beside you can be one of the most beautiful experiences life has to offer. Marriage should not merely be about fulfilling social expectations; it should be about choosing someone every day, making efforts for their happiness and growing together.
Perhaps the real beauty of marriage lies in this balance: working towards one's own development while finding happiness in the happiness of another person. Financial stability, professional ambitions and personal growth are important, but they become even more meaningful when there is someone with whom you can share the journey.
I have come to realise that love is not always about grand gestures, expensive gifts or perfect circumstances. Sometimes, it is simply about a packet of Afghani chicken on Diwali, a few flower petals showered during the making of a rangoli, someone waiting at a railway station with red roses, or the reassurance that, despite all the difficulties, you have someone who feels like home. And perhaps, that is what makes life beautiful.

Email:--------------------ahmadaasif619@gmail.com