This space holds all the details, stories, and joyful chaos behind the making of The Howie Bhajankas. Whether you're here to RSVP, stalk our photos, or leave us an unsolicited marriage tip, thank you for being part of our journey. With all our love, Mark & Ayusha

I moved to Scotland in 2022 to pursue my Master’s degree in Psychology, thinking that was all I was here for. A few weeks later, I matched with Mark on Bumble—or through mutual friends, depending on who’s asking—and we decided to meet. Our first date was at Merakis, a posh bar in Stirling. Partway through, Mark admitted he’d picked the place to make a good impression but also wanted to split the bill. I laughed, and we ended up in the pub next door instead, where we danced on a beer-spilt floor to a live rock song. That moment set the tone for everything that followed—easy, honest, and a little unexpected. By December, we were officially dating. Things just fit. Conversations flowed, silences were comfortable, and even everyday routines started feeling lighter. Mark’s family quickly became a strong part of my life here—I was far from home, but never felt alone. In March 2023, I lost my best friend back home. Grief hit hard, and my mental health took a sharp dive. It was one of the most difficult times in my life, and I wasn’t sure I could make it through the rest of the year. But Mark stood by me—quiet, steady, constant. He held space for my sadness and stayed close when everything felt like it was falling apart. He helped me finish university when I wasn’t sure I could, and in many ways, helped me hold on to myself. Later that year, in November, we moved in together. Our home became a space of safety and warmth—a place where love shows up in the small things, like shared meals, quiet evenings, and being there when it matters. We’ve grown a great deal, both as individuals and collectively. And through it all, we’ve kept choosing each other—with care, with patience, and with love that’s real and rooted.

It was the morning of my graduation—23rd November 2023. I’d been carrying my father’s engagement ring with me for a while, something I’d inherited and kept close. I wasn’t sure if I was ready, but something about that day made me want to carry it along. Before I walked up on stage, I sent a quick text to my sister, casually telling her I might propose to Mark later. She freaked out (loudly, from another country), but I kept moving through the day. That evening, we went out for a small celebratory dinner—Mark, his mum, my mum (who was visiting from India), and me. Watching them all at the same table, sharing a meal, laughing together—it just felt right. That’s when I knew. I quietly asked the manager for help, not once but twice, trying to figure out how to make it happen. Eventually, I asked them to play 'Wise Men Say' in the background—my cue. Back at the table, we were making graduation toasts. When it came to my turn, the music began. I stood up, turned to Mark, and got down on one knee. His mum started crying. Mark looked at me, smiled, and said, “You just couldn’t wait, could you?” Then he pulled me in for a hug and said, “Yes.” That was it. No grand performance, no dramatic build-up—just a moment that felt real and right.