Our Story
Every Love Story Is Beautiful But Ours Is My Favourite
The Couple
Mehal
Born and raised in Barnet, North London, Mehal is a proud Londoner through and through. He completed his schooling, university and had built his career as a qualified accountant in Finance and Commercial Management in this busy metropolis. Until he met Purnima, Mehal had been inseparable from London; Purnima showed another world (quite literally) through her ‘global citizenship’, which she proudly embodies. Mehal’s thirst for travel and adventure has seen him journeying from the wild plains and mountains of South America across to the busy streets of South East Asia.
Purnima
Born and raised in Bangkok until she was 18 years old, Purnima is an English teacher at Bangkok Patana School, an artist and an author who has lived in London for 2 years and in Melbourne for 11 – the latter, a place she also calls home. Purnima’s passion for photography, art and education drove her to travel across Europe – in doing so, not only did she get a chance to immerse herself in the rich history of the 19 countries that she visited including the UK during the two years that she worked in London, but she also had the opportunity to develop her artistic and educational practices.
The Proposal Shangri-La Bangkok, 28th December 2017
Our Journey From London to Bangkok
We Met In Leicester Square, London
“Mehal planned for us to have our first date in Haagen Dazs in Leicester Square, London, but it didn’t go to plan…” – Purnima
Little did he know that this Haagen Dazs branch had shut down – upon arrival at the store, they were standing in front of a “closed down” sign. Unfortunately, his first date wasn’t going as planned.
Spontaneously, Mehal diverted them to Bella Italia nearby, where they enjoyed a hot chocolate, a chocolate cake and chocolate brownie – a complete chocolate dinner. Throughout the meal, Mehal spoke very little, preferring to listen to Purnima’s detailed stories complete with anecdotes and subplots; he found her love of storytelling and her animated expressions very cute.
Flying in London
A romantic journey overlooking the Thames
On valentines day, Mehal surprised Purnima by hiring out an Emirates London Cable Car from Greenwich, where she was whisked over the dazzling London Skyline with champagne and chocolates in her hands. Their favourite songs were playing the whole journey across the river Thames. It was on this day that Purnima discovered, first and foremost, her love for Godiva chocolates (as well as appreciated Mehal’s romantic ways, of course!).
After the ‘sky high’ experience, they went to the O2 Arena for an “authentic” Thai cuisine. Purnima realised Mehal’s fondness for Pad Thai – a dish, which she would soon come learn, is one that Mehal would always order in every Thai restaurant they’d dine in. This was also the first of many times Purnima would begin to express her cravings for AUTHENTIC Thai food; she was so accustomed to real Thai flavours when she lived in Thailand, rather than those tailored to what Thais would call it, “farang’ tastes”. During the meal, Mehal heard the word ‘farang’ for the first time – he now very well knows what it means!
London Time Out
The London Hustle
As time went on, Mehal and Purnima spent more time together and formed a bond through weekly activities and excursions around the UK. Over two years, they shared a love of art/photography, enjoyed engaging in intellectual discussions and debates within art exhibitions ranging from Monet to Matisse. They also visited theatre shows from the Book of Mormon to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Additionally, Purnima and Mehal gallivanted around London seeing flower shows, dog shows and eating lots at London’s street markets (basically, they did everything that Purnima loves to do!). But of course, it wasn’t just all about her – she surprised Mehal with visits to space exploration exhibitions and a Star Wars movie exhibition (both things that he loves) – the latter of which she probably wouldn’t have ever gone to without a purposeful reason! They also visited picturesque towns surrounding London, including Cambridge and Stratford Upon Avon.
Nervous Purnima!
Panic Attack!
The time finally came for Purnima to meet Mehal’s parents after their bond/friendship formed into a special relationship. One day, Mehal picked Purnima from up from train station in his car and drove her to his parents’ house. As they arrived at the driveway, Purnima started to breathe frantically – clearly nervous! She insisted that he reverse the car away from the house. For those who have not been brought up with traditional parents, “meeting the parents” (especially in Indian culture) is a huge deal. Mehal, however, took it lightly and was completely excited. He rang the doorbell – simultaneously, Purnima tried to hide in the car in the hope of avoiding the whole introduction. When Mehal’s mum opened the door, Purnima smiled instantaneously. The dinner started off on a near-silent note, with Mehal trying all the tricks up his sleeve to ‘break the ice’. He tried to lighten the conversation by being humorous, which didn’t really work with the rest of those at the table being too preoccupied. However, as soon as Mehal’s mum and dad initiated a conversation with Purnima about her work, art, writing and teaching, she ended up chatting away effortlessly (she went on and on…). The rest, of course, is history.
From Bangkok to Ayuthaya
The Bustling Streets of Bangkok
After spending a few months together in London, Mehal decided to visit Purnima’s home in Bangkok and of course, to meet Purnima’s parents. He visited bustling Bangkok three times before they got engaged. Over the three trips, Mehal and Purnima visited exquisite temples and the ancient cities surrounding Bangkok. Mehal also had the chance to meet Purnima’s closest friends who flew over from Hong Kong and Malaysia. Most importantly, Mehal spent time with Purnima’s mum and dad – through this first encounter, he came to realise how Purnima became the beautiful person that she is today.
Collectively, during their time together in London and Bangkok, Purnima and Mehal came to realise that they share a special bond – one that would make them inseparable, no matter the circumstances.
She said YES!
Shangri-La Bangkok December 2017
On December 28 December 2017, Purnima’s friends (Yan Fun, Wingka and their partners) took her to the Shangri La under the guise of a girls’ afternoon tea.
Little did she know that Mehal was already there awaiting her arrival at the Salathip Thai restaurant by the Chao Phraya river. As Purnima walked through the rose petal covered floor (thrown by the management staff!), she saw Mehal standing with a ring in his hand. Their favourite song, ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perry was playing as he proposed to her.
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