A Symphony of Two Souls: Our Journey of Love and Faith

 

A Symphony of Two Souls: Our Journey of Love and Faith

​By John Aguiar

​They say marriages are made in heaven, but I believe our "Lagnagaath" (wedding knot) was specifically scripted by the Creator. How else could a boy from Ponda and a girl from Panaji find their worlds colliding in such a perfect harmony?

​The Beginning: Where Words Met

​Our story began in the bustling environment of the Herald newspaper office in October 1984. I had joined the editorial department as a reporter, and Savita was working in the accounts section. What started as professional proximity soon blossomed into a deep, respectful friendship.

​I remember the shift vividly. When I left for Delhi to serve as a secretary to Mr. Eduardo Faleiro, the distance only made the heart grow fonder. In those days, "Telecom" was our only bridge. A day without hearing Savita’s voice felt incomplete, like a sentence without a verb. It was during those long-distance calls that I realized Savita wasn't just a friend; she was the "poetry of my life."

​Choosing Love Over Walls

​Coming from different religious backgrounds—I a Christian and she a Hindu—we knew the path wouldn't be without hurdles. But love isn't about winning a race; it’s about the willingness to sacrifice and understand.

​My mother, a woman of deep Hindu roots who had her own interfaith marriage, was my greatest support. She had raised me with a profound respect for Marathi culture and literature. When I approached Savita’s parents, there was initial hesitation, but true love has a way of silencing doubts. On July 16, 1988, we officially united, marking the beginning of our "Sanskriti Sangam" (Union of Cultures).

​A Home Without Borders

​For decades now, our home has been a testament to the fact that God is one, even if the paths to Him vary.

• ​Festivals: In our house, we celebrate Diwali with the same fervor as Christmas. We light the Akash-kandil and also decorate the Christmas tree.
• ​Daily Devotion: Savita visits the Church with the same devotion with which I bow before the deity at the Shantadurga temple. I keep a photo of the Goddess at my workplace because I see my mother's faith in it.
• ​Tradition: From the Tulsi Vrindavan in our courtyard to the festive Gudi Padwa celebrations, we have embraced every ritual that brings peace and joy.

​The True Meaning of Union

​People often ask about the challenges of an interfaith marriage. My answer is simple: there are only two "castes" in this world—Man and Woman. When we leave this earth, we all go to the same place. Why fight over the path when the destination is identical?

​Arguments happen in every marriage—we are no exception—but we’ve learned to "play the game" of life with a smile. Savita has been the steady rhythm to my melody.

​Looking back, I am convinced that our meeting wasn't a coincidence. It was destiny. Our bond was tied by the Creator himself, and today, as we continue this journey, I can truly say: Savita is the poem that makes my life worth reading.