Vivek
Han Ying Lee
Waves of Destiny
Eight years ago, I set out on a solo journey to Goa, India, seeking solace in its sun-drenched beaches and vibrant nightlife. What I didn’t expect was to find a piece of my heart there. It was at a bustling beach market where I first saw Han Ying Lee, a traveler from Taiwan, her laughter rising above the sea breeze. She was bargaining with a local vendor, her Mandarin accent weaving through the air. Intrigued, I approached her, and we struck up a conversation over cups of chai.
We spent the next few days exploring Goa together, from the ancient forts perched on rugged cliffs to the serene sunsets that painted the Arabian Sea in hues of gold. As our shared adventure came to an end, we exchanged contacts, promising to keep in touch, not yet knowing this was just the beginning.
In the months that followed, messages flew across continents, each one drawing us closer despite the physical distance. The following year, Han Ying decided to come to India, driven by a desire to explore more of the country and perhaps, deep down, to see where our budding relationship might lead.
For two years, India was our playground. From the snowy peaks of Himachal Pradesh to the bustling streets of Mumbai, every place we visited was imbued with our laughter and love. However, life wasn’t without its challenges. Cultural differences and language barriers tested our patience, but with each challenge, our bond only grew stronger.
Eventually, Han Ying had to return to Taiwan. Our goodbye at the airport was a flood of tears and promises. The following years were a test of love, patience, and resilience. We kept our connection alive through daily video calls, and our relationship blossomed despite the distance.
During this time, introducing our relationship to our families posed new challenges. Initially, both sets of parents were hesitant, each set worried about the vast cultural differences and the complications of a long-distance relationship. Over time, though, they came to see the strength and sincerity of our bond, just as we had.
After years of long-distance, I took a leap of faith and proposed to Han Ying during one of her visits to India. I chose the same Goa beach where we had first met, the waves witnesses to our enduring love. With tears and a radiant smile, she said yes.
The news brought our families together, setting aside any lingering doubts. They saw how deeply we cared for each other and supported our decision to start a life together in India. The preparations began, weaving our two cultures into a celebration that was as colorful as it was meaningful.
On the 15th of December, under the soft winter sun of Goa, Han Ying and I exchanged vows. The ceremony was a beautiful amalgamation of Taiwanese and Indian traditions.