nAFISA’S VOWS

In the midst of shattered hopes and tear-stained prayers, I asked Allah for someone who would love me for the rest of my life because that not pain I wanted to relive. Little did I know that in answer to those prayers, you would walk into my life, mend my heart, and stand beside me not just as a partner, but as my soulmate. Every day since then, you've worked tirelessly to turn my tears into smiles, to make every moment we share a treasure beyond compare.

As you know, I'm a strong, independent woman capable of standing on my own. But in you, I found someone worth choosing. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. I do believe in fate and destiny but I also believe we are only fated to the things that we'd choose anyway. And I'd choose you; In a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality - I'd find you and I'd choose you. And I promise to keep choosing you because your presence makes my life so much better. I get to live with my best friend, take care of our kitties, watch our favorite movies, eat our favorite food, dictate our own lives, dance in the kitchen, kiss every morning, hug when we are in pain, and cry without fear of judgment. And i honestly couldn't imagine a life better.

Feels like just yesterday, I came over to your cramped dorm room in Grantham with the twin bed in the middle to watch "13 reasons why" (still very much considering you to be an absolute dick and with 0 idea that you might be interested) and that was it! I never left. We chose each other and never let go. We've known each other for over 15 years now (from middle school, through university, and now here), lived in 3 different countries, 6 different homes, (including 1 with gun-shots going off every other night – like what!) shared countless memories and build a whole life together. You've seen me at my highest highs and lowest lows, and through it all, your unwavering support has been my anchor. From that tiny dorm room, to now this house with our beautiful cats, working in our favorite jobs this has been the most incredible journey.

Thank you for having confidence in me when I couldn’t find the strength, for kissing me every night before going to bed and every morning before going to work. For cooking and cleaning for me when I'm stuck in a rut. Thank you for driving me around without complaint for all these years and for buying me jilapi in the middle of the night in between a snowstorm (let's not do that again!) and for the countless ways you continue to show your love every single day. Thank you for keeping my sanity during Master's and for moving countries to be with me so I could fulfil my dreams. Thank you for believing in my dreams when I didn't have the capacity. For being the best cat dad. And THANK YOU for always putting me first.

You know my love for you knows no bounds, but beyond that, I admire and respect you so deeply. Your integrity, your unwavering principles that you hold so dear without judgements for others and your endless capacity for growth inspires me every day. I am in awe of the person that you are 

Today as I become your wife I vow to be supportive, caring, and honest with you always. I promise to hold you close, to respect you fully, and to love you deeply. As your companion, your partner, and your soulmate I promise to stay by your side through thick and thin. 

Thank you for loving and respecting me as an equal partner. I would press pause on my favorite song and take a break from eating fuchka for you! I cant wait to be married to you.