Over the last 5 years, I had been chatting with a fan I met on facebook. And ever since I remember he had been asking me to marry him. There were times I even ignored him because I never thought we would meet in person and I wanted him to carry out his life. Well, he wouldn’t have that, and continued sending me messages of kindness and love. I am so glad he was persistent!
During those 5 years, he made some serious changes at the chance we would meet. He got a student visa to the United Kingdom, not an easy process for a young man from Pakistan. Then, he got accepted into the last group of people ever to be granted a Post Study Work visa for the UK, another great feat for him. Meanwhile, I finally agreed to come meet him in London. That was Sept 20, 2011. Our time together was better than I could have ever imagined.
Over the course of the next year, I knew if we were to end up together, I would have to make some serious decisions. One of which was leaving my new life in California, where I was waiting for my dream job to start. Another, was smoothing over the differences my close friends and family saw in my relationship with a Muslim man from Pakistan who was 10 years younger than I. I tackled this subject armed with patience and grace. It all worked out as I had hoped. Another mental obstacle to overcome was marrying a man who lived abroad and accepting the fact that it would be a process to bring him home to the USA.
I am into taking chances and if my friends proved me wrong, I am no longer afraid of making mistakes. A year after we met in person, we registered to be married. On Oct 16, 2012, we tied the knot in London. You know what, it was the best decision I have ever made. I am happily married to a man who loves me and respects me more than I ever thought possible.
To top it all off, our wedding night brought us a gift for a life time, as we are expecting our first child in July 2013. Dreams really do come true. And it may sound silly, but I feel like this goal was equivalent to becoming the Strongest Woman Ever. It took time and energy and life changes just the same. The reward, however, is much, much greater! I am blessed!