I Met My Husband on a Matrimony Site. Its like Tinder (but for marriage!)

Yep. And We Decided to Get Married in Five Days.

After spending most of my twenties waiting for magic to happen, waiting to find love organically, I decided to embrace the tools of this digital age, and go make a profile on one of the apps. Except I did not choose Tinder or Bumble (at least not this time), I chose Shaadi.com, Jeevansathi, IIMIITMatrimony, and the likes of those. I wanted to find someone with the same intent as mine, the intent to find companionship for life!

And then this screenshot you see here? Our first WhatsApp chat.

Anyway, cut to: We talked. Five days. On Day 5, on one of our calls, we said the THREE MAGIC words to each other, and as they say the rest is history. Bear in mind, owing to the lockdown, we haven’t met each other yet, just WhatsApp Video Calls (and butterflies).

We saw each other for the very first time 1 month before our marriage, and one day before our ROKA. Yes, Roka. For my non-Indian (and some Indian) friends: A Roka is basically the Indian version of going “You’re officially off the market.” It’s the pre-engagement ceremony where two families meet, exchange ladoos, sarees, take 200 photos on phones, and freeze the match.

Moments after our Roka (the second time we met)

Did I panic? Absolutely. Did I sleep the night before? Barely. I still remeber holding my sister’s hands and launghing uncrollably moments before I was to see Abhimanyu for the first time. The butterflies in my stomach manifested in trembles and laughter!

Was I certain? Weirdly, yes. My gut was confident even though my brain was screaming “WHO DOES THIS?!”

Fast-forward 5 years from that Roka day and here I am, still looking at him thinking,
“Thank God I didn't listen to the part of my brain that wanted to wait around for a Netflix/ Instagram/ Bollywood style rom-com meet-cute.”

Choosing Who You Marry Matters More Than Buying a House or Choosing a Career

A friend once told me, “The most important decision you will ever make is who you marry.” At the time, I rolled my eyes and though I had life figured out. Today, older, wiser, and married to a man who is more happier than me when I am happy, I agree completely. Who you marry determines:

• Your peace

• Your growth

• Your sense of humour u (my husband has taught me how to take jokes, which I was really bad at)

• Your daily background noise (gentle encouragement or constant complaints)

• Your Sunday mornings and your PMS meltdowns

Lifestyle and thinking are contagious. Marry someone who treats life like a team game, and you become a better teammate. Marry someone who thinks gender roles depend on time, place, convenience and not on your chromosome. I say this not because our marriage is perfect but because it is real and joyful and anchored in respect. And every day, I am grateful that I took that leap during peak banana-bread season.

What Makes Our Marriage Work: 5 Rules We Swear By

A taxi driver once told me he had been married for 47 years and I asked him his secret. He gave me two gems that I’ve kept forever. The rest I’ve learned from trial, error over the five years we have been together. Here they are:

1. Acceptance

Neither of us is perfect.
I am stone- cold while watch emo- romance movies, but I panic at the sight of a baby Spider and I have elite-level PMS. He? He could not multi- task if his life depended on it, and unlike me, he won’t put his clotes away until they look like a pile of trash. Sometimes has opinions on strangers, but won’t help me decide what to wear!

But we accept.
We forgive fast.
We overlook those traits that don’t come to us naturally, but are a part of other one’s innate personality, making them ‘THE ONE’ we fell in love with.

Marriage isn’t two flawless people coming together. It’s two flawed people choosing each other again and again.

2. Have Common Life Goals

This one is straight from my taxi uncle.

Love is cute.
Shared purpose is powerful.

You don’t need identical dreams but you need aligned direction. Retirement plan discussions don’t sound romantic at 27, but trust me, at 37 they sound like foreplay.

"Beach town retirement by 55?"
"Early brunch and long walks every day?"

Find someone whose future vision feels like a place you'd enjoy living in, not escaping from.

3. Fall in Love Again and Again

The cheesy Bollywood idea that you “fall in love once” is honestly… marketing.

Real marriage?
You fall in love, then you get annoyed, then you remember why you chose them, then you fall in love again, then you argue about dishwasher loading philosophy, then you fall in love again.

Love isn't a permanent state handed to you at the wedding. It’s a cycle. A rhythm. A daily practice of rediscovering each other even when routine tries to smother romance like a soggy papad.

Challenge the monotony.
Do something new.
Laugh at silly things.
Text each other flirty nonsense.
Make plans. Break routines. Hold hands even when the world feels rushed.

4. Mandatory Morning Hugs

We hug every morning before checking phones, before opening laptops, before life interrupts.

That 10 seconds of warmth hits the reset button.
It's grounding. It reminds us: I’m your home. You’re mine.

Try it. Even when you’re annoyed at each other. Especially then.

5. Don’t Do Everything Together

Controversial but true.

We don't watch every show together.
He has his things, I have mine.
He watches cheesy Bollywood over and over again, and I scroll IG for market research all the time!

We overlap intentionally, not forcefully. Space makes closeness richer.

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Five Years Later…

Marriage didn’t turn me into a soft gooey romantic. But it did make me grateful, grounded, and constantly amused at how life plots better than any screenplay.

I met a man online.
Trusted my gut.
Took a leap.
And built a life that feels like the right mix of chaos and comfort, banter and peace, individuality and team spirit.

To anyone reading this wondering about love, marriage, timing, or apps…

Sometimes the universe works in messy, unexpected ways.
And sometimes, the WhatsApp “Hey” that sounds utterly boring… turns into your favourite story.

I only want to leave you with one thought-

it is not about finding THE ONE, but making it work with THE ONE YOU CHOOSE. Nobody will be perfect, neither are you, but overlooking minor traits and lowering your expectations will make you happier, and a good relationship will be a natural outcome to your inner peace and happiness.

Bonus: Fighting Rules

People say “never go to bed angry.” Cute but sometimes unrealistic. If it’s 2 AM and emotions are doing garba, the brain is not present. We sleep on it. And when we wake up, we are both feeling ridiculous for being dramatic and blowing things out of proporting the night before. We make up instantly, and at times if need be, we introspect, communicate and pay attention to what we did unknwoingly, which caused each other to feel poorly.

But yes, if it's 7 PM? A walk usually solves 90 percent of arguments. Fresh air is magic.

The Sustainable Side of Indian Craft: Why Handmade Matters

I still remember my first real introduction to Indian crafts. I must have been about eleven or twelve when my mum took me to Law Garden in Ahmedabad to buy a chaniya choli for Navratri. For anyone who’s been there, you’ll know what I mean when I say it’s not just shopping — it’s an experience. The narrow stretch of road transforms into a riot of colour. Stalls after stalls, each one bursting with dazzling embroidery, mirror work, tassels and threadwork so vibrant that even the streetlights seem to glow differently.

As a pre-teen, I was completely mesmerised. I couldn’t stop touching the fabrics, running my fingers over the sequins and the intricate stitches. That was the moment I first learnt about authenticity. The very people who had crafted these garments were also selling them. They told me stories of the time it took to embroider a lehenga, of techniques passed down through generations, and of how each piece was one-of-a-kind.

That day, I understood that buying handmade wasn’t just about owning something beautiful — it was about connecting to the maker and valuing their craft.

Since then, my love for Indian handicrafts has only deepened. Every corner of India has something unique to offer — each region has its own heritage, its own materials, its own flair. What’s truly fascinating is how handmade crafts are not just decorative; they are incredibly functional, sustainable, and timeless.

Let me take you through some of the most remarkable categories of Indian craft that continue to fascinate me.

Textiles: Threads That Tell Stories

From the bandhani tie-dye of Gujarat to the kantha embroidery of Bengal and vibrant blockprints of Sanganer, Indian textiles are living heritage. What sets them apart is not just their beauty but their sustainability. Artisans use natural dyes, cotton, silk, and wool that age gracefully rather than ending up as fast-fashion waste.

These fabrics are versatile — they become clothing, cushions, wall hangings, or even table linen. Handmade textiles are proof that sustainability can be woven — literally — into everyday life.

Pottery & Ceramics: Earth Turned Into Art

Clay has been part of Indian homes for centuries, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its functionality. Think of the cooling matka water pots in summer, or the elegant blue pottery of Jaipur. Handmade pottery is both art and utility: bowls, mugs, serveware, and décor pieces that are naturally biodegradable and chemical-free.

Unlike mass-produced ceramic, no two handmade pieces are ever the same. Each one carries the imprint of the potter’s hand, reminding us of the human touch behind everyday objects.

Woodwork: From Carved Doors to Tableware

Craftsmen at a workshop in North-east India. Mango wood, vases, and candle- holders in stages of painting, followed by finishing. Each process is done by hand.

India’s love affair with woodcraft runs deep. Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its carved furniture, while Kashmir’s walnut wood finds its way into intricately patterned boxes and trays.

Today, woodcraft extends beyond traditional furniture. Artisans create serving trays, coasters, wine stoppers, and kitchen accessories that blend sustainability with elegance. Wood is durable, renewable, and when carved by hand, turns into heirlooms you can pass on for generations.

Metalwork: Brass, Bell, and Beyond

Metal crafts are another area where beauty meets function. From the glistening brass diyas used in Indian festivals to bell-metal utensils that keep food warm, these pieces carry centuries of knowledge about design and durability.

What I love most about Indian metalwork is how it effortlessly transitions into modern homes — a brass candleholder can brighten up a minimalist UK living room, while a hand-forged iron bell adds a rustic touch to a garden. These are functional art pieces that stand the test of time.

Jewellery & Accessories: Wearable Craft

Indian jewellery-making is perhaps one of the most recognised forms of craft. But beyond the heavy wedding sets, there’s a whole world of handcrafted everyday jewellery: beaded necklaces from Nagaland, silver tribal jewellery from Rajasthan, and contemporary resin-and-wood blends.

Accessories like embroidered bags or handwoven scarves also carry the same sustainable ethos — slow-made, natural, and enduring. These are not trends; they are timeless statements.

Paintings & Decorative Arts: Stories on Surfaces

Every region in India has its own painting style: Madhubani from Bihar, Warli from Maharashtra, Tholu Bommalata from Andhra Pradesh. These are more than wall art — they are a storytelling tradition, often depicting folklore, nature, or daily life.

What’s exciting is how these art forms are being adapted onto functional objects — trays, coasters, notebooks, wall art even furniture panels. They remind us that beauty doesn’t need to be confined to a frame; it can live in our everyday surroundings.

Relevancy in the Age of AI

We live in extraordinary times. With AI and technology advancing at lightning speed, much of what surrounds us is becoming automated, optimised, and mass-produced. Convenience is everywhere — but with it comes a craving for the opposite: things that feel human, tangible, and real.

This is where handmade craftsmanship takes on even greater meaning. In a world where algorithms can generate art and machines can replicate patterns, a handcrafted object reminds us of the irreplaceable value of human touch. The uneven brushstroke, the carefully knotted thread, the imperfectly perfect finish — these are marks of a maker, not a machine.

Handmade crafts also bring a piece of another culture into our homes. Owning a hand- embroidered cushion from Gujarat or a wood carved coat hook set from Sahranpur is not just about décor — it’s about inviting stories, traditions, and heritage into your living space. It’s a connection across geographies, reminding us that art and culture travel through objects.

And perhaps most importantly, supporting handmade ensures that these skills are passed on to the next generation. Every time we choose a handcrafted product, we motivate artisans to keep teaching, keep innovating, and keep their traditions alive. In the age of AI, this continuity of human creativity will matter more than ever.

That evening at Law Garden sparked a lifelong love for handmade crafts. What started with a chaniya choli for Navratri grew into a deeper exploration of India’s endless craftsmanship — textiles, pottery, woodwork, metal, jewellery, painting, and more.

Handmade Indian crafts are not just about aesthetics. They are sustainable, functional, and deeply human. They carry the heart of the artisan, the history of a culture, and the promise of longevity. And in a world where so much feels disposable, that feels more valuable than ever.

So the next time you choose to bring something into your home, make it handmade. Because handmade matters.