The conversation we had about us being together in the same house and doing chores together was always fascinating. Andrew was on holiday for a few days before and after his birthday in September 2019. After his holidays, Andrew started commuting to work everyday from Manchester and this made us happy and look forward to spending time together in the evenings.
Jay knew that Andrew would pop the question quite soon as our relationship was shaping up towards that. We would often talk about us being married and having children. One day we went to Trafford Centre to purchase a few things and have a meal. On that day, we casually went inside Goldsmiths where Andrew was asking Jay – do you like this ring, etc. We got both of our ring finger measurements and Andrew had an opportunity to learn what Jay would like to wear. Because this happened by the end of October, Jay was consciously getting dressed every time we went out of the house in preparation for the proposal. This required Andrew to think up better plans. Andrew would joke about it even today.
We visited Andrew’s parents in Kent and stayed with them for a week for Christmas 2019. Andrew disclosed to his parents that he had purchased an engagement ring but Jay was not aware of it yet. Andrew’s parents were happy to know that we will be engaged soon but they didn’t know when Andrew would make the move. A day before New Year’s Eve we returned back to Manchester as our holidays were coming to an end and we will have to work from the 2nd of January. On 31st evening, Andrew wanted to go for a walk with Jay and watch the fireworks. Jay was a little conscious as to why Andrew wanted to go for a walk in the midnight. She started to get dressed and by the time we left the house, the fireworks stopped. We carried on to go for a walk anyway. To our surprise, we saw the lanterns flying up in the sky. It was beautiful. After a short walk, we came home and Jay thought that the engagement is not happening soon.
On New Year’s Day, Jay wanted to go to The Balaji Temple in Birmingham. This time Jay was very casually dressed – she did not care to straighten her hair as she would do over the last few weeks and she didn’t wear any makeup. Instead, she had a beautiful smile throughout. After we visited each Shrine’s house, we bought 2 massive ladoos. We shared (and finished) an entire ladoo that Jay said she would usually have it in parts and finish it in a week. Since it was coming up to dinner time, we also had dinner at the Temple. We must mention that the food was great. We both had dosa and a hot drink.
Just when we came out of the Temple, Andrew started talking about how beautiful it is to share these moments and how wonderful the day had been: from lanterns early in the morning through to the time in the temple. Whilst he was talking about it, he had tears gathered up in his eyes. Jay at this moment was shocked and full of surprise. Immediately, Andrew asked, “Jayanthi Sekar – Will you Marry Me” and Jay said “Of course, yes!” but why here and why when I’m not well dressed! Ha ha ha!
