Romantic proposals: 'Written on my hand'

We asked readers to send in their marriage proposal stories -- here are the first few responses!

First up is Mumbaiite Mahesh S Ahire's contribution:

As we say, 'marriages are made in heaven' -- this is so true in my case!

My wife Nisha and I were friends since Class IV. We completed our BSc in computers together from the same college.

We both loved each other, but had no guts to express what we had in our minds.

Then on September 23, 2001, one of her close friends wrote on my hand that Nisha loved me. So I finally disclosed to all present that even I was sailing in the same boat and loved her too. Finally, on December 23, 2005, we got married against our parents' will. However, Nisha is so sweet a person that within a month of our marriage, my parents had to give us their blessings. Moreover, they are thankful to the Almighty for giving such a caring wife to me and daughter-in- law to them.

It is now almost 11 years that we are happily married, with one beautiful daughter. And we wish to always be happy.

Next we have Rohit Kapoor's story:

My name is Rohit and she is Pooja.

This was about 17 years ago, when my friend (now she is my sweet wife!) and I were studying in NIIT at the Preet Vihar Centre. I fell in love when I saw her for the first time but she was unknown to me. Soon I was a good friend, just like any other.

One day I convinced her to go out for a burger and a cold drink, just to receive advice on how to pursue my loved one. She agreed and after we were done with the cold drink, I started off.

"I am in love with a girl but have not told her yet. How can I tell her? Please advise me."

She was shocked and replied, "Oh, really? A guy like you who can't be serious about life is in love. God bless her!"

After a moment she asked, "How serious are you?"

"I am very serious," I replied.

So she said, "Okay then, just go and ask her whether she likes you or not."

"Are you sure she will not get angry with me? Will our friendship be affected?"

"Yeah, sure, why not? She will say yes or no, but she will remain your friend forever if she is a girl who can understand the feeling."

So I said, in a very straightforward manner, "Okay listen -- that girl is you. I like you so much and I love you so much."

She got up then and started walking. I walked with her, but we didn't talk till we reached the bus stop. When the bus came, she got on and I remained behind, watching and praying that she would turn and let me see her face. At last she turned and we looked at each other.

After several classes together, I convinced her that she was the one for me and that I would do anything for her. On my birthday, when I was busy with my friends in my room, she arrived to join in the party. She gave me a beautiful gift and said, "Yes, I love you."

Now, after almost 17 years, I remember that day. She is my wife and we have two sons. We believe that we were made for each other and I feel like I have a complete family.

And finally, here is Sanjay Singh's short and sweet entry:

I asked her in a very poetic way in Hindi -- "Bataa, kya tu aage ki zindagi mere saath gujaarna chahti hain?" And she was speechless. By the way, this proposal was on the phone.

But then destiny had some other plans and we were parted...

How and where did you pop the question? What lengths did you go to make it unforgettable for the love of your life? Write in to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'My Marriage Proposal') with your story and a photograph, if possible, of you and your loved one. We'll be publishing the best entries right here!