An Engaging Question

The scene played out simply:  There I was on bended knee, a gentle wind rustling through the trees, the soft dulcet sunlight masking the Sydney skyline and the gentle caress of waves licking the shore at Ramsgate beach.

The question would then be posed: Marina, will you marry me?

Her answer, through a cascade of tears: Yes

For once reality exceeded the fantasy

The wind was brisk and refreshing, the sun seared through the dark clouds, draping the city in hues of orange and red and the waves slapped the shore in harmonious whispers.

Everything mirrored our third date and deciding not to wait for my best friend Rudolph to ring and ruin the moment like he did (and let me just say, a ring tone is not conducive to a romantic soundtrack), I dropped to my knee.

Shock filled Marina’s face. Not waiting for her to say anything I took a deep breath, suppressed the butterflies that were swarming up my throat and asked “Will you marry me?”

Marina blinked quickly and stuttered, “Are You Joking? You’re not serious are you?”

While not the words I exactly wanted to hear, it still meant that I had surprised her, which was the plan all along. Not answering her question, I replied “I’m not joking,” and pulled out the ring.

She stared at the box in my hand and when her eyes found mine, they were filled with tears. Sniffing softly, she said “Yes.”

What now? You ask.

Well a whole lot of fun and adventure.  And by fun I mean, meddling aunties, stressed out parents, arguments, the use of a veil as weapon of mass destruction, lots of rice (we are Indian after all), some cricket and a whole lot of shakin’ goin’ on – well you seen a Bollywood movie haven’t you?

And I hope you will all join us for the ride.  Because as Marina and I hop aboard the rollercoaster cheerfully titled “The Golly Golly Gosh Wedding Palooza: The Marriage of Marina and Darren,” I will be posting blogs, insights and general wedding related rants at indeterminate intervals until the big day.

So stay tuned…