How I found the strength to call off my engagement and embrace a single life
Ending the relationship took great courage, but I have never doubted my decision. Fifteen years on, I’m ready to part with the ring
I am about to sell my engagement ring, more than 15 years after the proposal. It has been sitting in a drawer, largely forgotten, although from time to time I have taken it out and thought about how different my life would be if that ring had seen a wedding day.
Soon after I graduated, rishtas (an Urdu word commonly used for suitors) would descend on my parents’ house for an afternoon of samosas, chai – and marriage discussions. I cringed at being introduced to potential partners this way, having their entire families over and feeling all eyes on me. It felt like such a parade, and so artificial.