CRAZY, STUPID LOVE

My dad married my mum because he was scared of dogs. My mum married my dad because he seemed like a nice enough guy the second time she met him. I mean, at least he'd ditched the awful pink shirt he'd worn during their first meeting.

None of this will make sense to you, so let me start over. My parents met on the 20th of January 1994, my dad in the aforementioned shirt that caused my mum so much grief, and my mum in a lovely sari. Mum later told me that the first meeting was like being bowled over by the sea that crashed into the Egyptian army after parting for Moses - Dad brought his parents, siblings and had even tossed in an uncle or two. Mum shivered in her sari.

The suitor's family was quite impressed with Mum, particularly my paternal grandad - Mum could sing, and sing beautifully. Besides this, she was frank, smart and had a degree in Fine Arts from Stella Maris University. Grandad was happy. The pater was not.

Why so? It was because of the first time they had to talk 'alone, face to face.' They were taken to a bedroom at the end of the corridor, where, after making herself comfortable, Mum asked Dad the usual questions. Usual for her, not for Dad. As the session went on and on, with references to books, art and cultural references that had Dad trembling in his shoes, Mum's opinion of him sailed through rock bottom and went further to the ends of the earth. Verdict (according to Dad) : Mum was a snob. Dad was a nerd (that was Mum).

Dad was feeling rather open minded now, having been thoroughly flummoxed by Mum's repeated questioning, so he went along with the family to meet two other eligible women. The second lady did not seem compatible with him, so he moved on to the third. Unfortunately, Dad's aforementioned fear of canines - particularly large friendly ones that decided to greet him by placing two well-meaning paws on his shoulders - came into play here, and he was out of there before he could barely register the name, face or presence of the lady. To this day, he can only remember that she pulled the leash till a large set of glistening white teeth were finally done grinning at him.

Anyway, Dad decided to give Mum another chance. This time, he planned ahead. He got rid of the (awful) pink shirt, dressed in conservative but coordinated attire and went to meet her with the tiniest unit of his family - his parents. When they were finally left alone, he began before Mum could open her mouth. 'This time,' he said. 'I will talk, and you must listen.'

And when Dad finally got to put his two cents in, Mum was impressed by him. He was honest, hard working  and only wanted a partner who respected his parents as much as he did. Mum wanted the same, and the two, to put it plainly, got hitched. Both sets of in-laws were pleased with the match.

However, the love aspect of this wonderful marriage (why wonderful? It resulted in my brother and me, that's why) would come much, much later. In due course however, my parents learned a lot about and from each other, until I came along. My father was introduced to a whole world of pop culture, books and movies, besides improving his linguistic skills and sharpening his will to conquer the world. Today, he attributes his achievement in becoming a leading member of the Saud Bahwan Toastmaster Group Club to his wife, who wouldn't rest before pushing him to do what she thought was best for him. My mother was inducted into a large, loving family on the other side, besides being married to someone who believed that she had to pursue her career and always, always encouraged her. Today, she is a respected artist, a highly sought after graphic designer, and a beloved teacher.

My parents' marriage is a true story of respect and friendship that gave way to a deep love that they keep alive and interesting with occasional squabbles, teasing and two highly idiotic children who adore them. They have progressed greatly from two strangers who despised each other on first sight, to a couple whose belief in the principles of truth, honour and familial love has kept them going strong for twenty years today.

I should know. I've been present for nineteen of them.