Mankirat Singh
The morning sun cast a soft golden glow over the gurudwara as Sukhi and I stood hand in hand, our hearts pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. With each passing moment, the weight of our decision to marry in secret grew heavier, but the love that bound us together gave us the strength to face whatever lay ahead.
As we stepped into the hallowed halls of the gurudwara, the sound of our footsteps echoed against the polished marble floors, a solemn reminder of the gravity of the moment. With each step, I felt a sense of reverence wash over me, a deep respect for the traditions that had guided us to this sacred place.
Sukhi's hand trembled in mine as we approached the ornate altar, our eyes meeting in silent communion as we prepared to exchange our vows in the presence of Waheguru. With a gentle squeeze of reassurance, I offered her a smile, the warmth of our love a comforting embrace in the midst of uncertainty.
The priest greeted us with a kind smile, his eyes twinkling with understanding as he sensed the solemnity of our intentions. "Welcome, my children," he said, his voice gentle yet filled with authority. "Are you ready to begin?"
Sukhi and I exchanged a meaningful glance, our hearts beating as one as we nodded in unison. "Yes," I replied, my voice steady despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. "We are ready."
With a solemn nod, Gyani Ji began the Anand Karaj ceremony, his words a melodic chant that resonated through the hallowed halls of the gurudwara. As he recited the prayers and blessings, I felt a sense of peace wash over me, a deep knowing that we were exactly where we were meant to be.
As the ceremony reached its climax, Sukhi and I exchanged garlands of flowers, our hands trembling with emotion as we took our sacred vows before Waheguru. With each word, I felt the weight of our commitment settle over me, a profound sense of belonging that transcended time and space.
It was the 1st of the 4 lavan.
"Har pahl di lav par virti karam dridaya Bal Ram jio"
Then it was our 2nd lav.
"Har dooj di lav Satgur purukh milaya Bal Ram jio...."
After the second, it was our 3rd lav.
"Har teej di lav man chao bhiya bairagiya Bal Ram jio..."
When we had finished the 3rd lav we sat back down again.
Now it was the 4th and final of the lavan. The last 5 minutes of my life as an unmarried. The last 5 minutes until my life is never going to be the same.
"Har chouth di lav man Sahaj bhiya Harpaiya Bal Ram jio...."
"Vivah hoa mere Babulla..." the Raggi sang the Shabad for the wedding to come to an end.
And then, in a moment that felt like eternity, Gyani Ji pronounced us husband and wife, sealing our union with a blessing that would echo through the ages. With tears of joy streaming down our faces, Sukhi and I exchanged a tender embrace, the warmth of our love a testament to the power of our bond.
As we stepped out into the sunlight, the world outside seemed to shimmer with possibility, a vast expanse of uncharted territory waiting to be explored. And as Sukhi and I embarked on this new chapter of our lives together, hand in hand, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, our love would be the guiding light that led us home.
"We're together.... no matter what,"
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When Love Lasts✔️
RomanceSukhpreet Kaur, an 18-year-old girl, was born to Indian immigrants who had migrated to the United States in search of a better life. Her parents were traditional and held onto their Indian roots, but they were also modern in their thinking. They had...
