Altared states

A ringless proposal led to a wholesome Nepali-Parsi wedding for Sujala Newar and Rashid Currawalla.

- RUMAN BAIG

STRAIGHT OUT OF a romantic comedy, Sujala Newar and Rashid Currawalla met at a New Year's Eve party they were never meant to attend. "I guess the universe had a different plan," reveals Newar, who runs The Local Vintage across Shillong and Mumbai. The meet-cute blossomed into a decade-long relationship between her and Rashid, who manages his family's shipping and logistics business.

When it came to the proposal, Newar had a hunch that Rashid would do it during her birthday trip to Thailand last year. "But knowing how meticulous he is about safeguarding our valuables while travelling, I wasn't sure if there would be a ring," Newar shares. A proposal without a ring might seem unconventional until you realise it was a prank.

"Just before my birthday dinner, he gave a sweet speech and knelt down without a ring. He had me wear my own ring, promising to get me an actual one once we returned home.

I was annoyed, especially when he insisted that I put my ring back in the safe before heading out. When I opened the safe, the real engagement ring was inside. I was surprised and he was chuffed," she says.

Following the passing of Newar's grandmother in February, the couple had a civil ceremony in May with their loved ones.