On September 16, 2016, early in the morning there was a lot of tam-dum and preparations for a traditional Parsi Wedding – with some lady members of the staff at Navsari’s Senior Citizen’s Center (SCC) preparing the ses, a few doing the chock-toran – while old familiar Parsi wedding songs played on in the foyer of the Center.

Yes! A wedding was in order! As per our traditions, breakfast comprised sev-dahi and banana, followed by sagan nu Dhan Dar for lunch. The lovely couple getting engaged was Rumy Postwalla (66) and Gool Bulsara (63). This was followed by the madasoro ceremony with Zubin Amroliawalla, Panthaky of the Sir JJ agairy in Malesar, Navsari officiating and leading the wedding party in prayers.

This happy occasion is the (second) marriage celebrated between residents of this Senior Citizens Center. And though both lovebirds met at the Center, the love story has a sweet twist to it as both – Rumy and Gool – had met over fifty years ago and actually had an eye for each other since then! Rumy has been a resident of the WZO Trust Funds SCC for a few years now and destiny reunited him with Gool, who was earlier widowed and came to stay at the center, re-kindling their love for each other! Their union was solemnised in the evening in the foyer of the Centre on September 16, 2016 through the traditional ‘Aashirwad’ ceremony conducted by Er. Zubin Amroliwalla and Er. Keki Dastoor, in the presence of High Priest Dasturji Kaikhushru Dastoor Meherjirana at the Centre, and witnessed by their family members, their co-residents, guests and the brilliant administration and staff of the Center.

Parsi Times caught up with the newly wedded couple. Says first-time husband at 66, Rummy Postwalla, “This was a very sudden and impromptu decision. Goolu and I knew each other as she used to study with my sisters and lived at Bombay Central, while I lived at Tardeo. In 2008, I met with an accident after which I moved in to this SCC and lost all contact with her. However, just four months back Goolu moved in to the SCC and I was so happy to reconnect with my old friend. At times, she would be sad and upset, that’s when I suggested we could get married! We approached Dinshaw and Bachi Tamboly, who readily agreed to get us married at the SCC, right amongst all our dear old friends. Being a bachelor all my life, I must say, this decision has really brought me a lot of happiness and joy.”

And the beaming bride, Goolu Balsara said, “I’m so glad to have found such a nice husband. Though we knew each other all these years, prior to 2008, I only connected with him at the SCC where I moved in only four months back. Now I no longer fight with the other old ladies here… I have found my husband!”

Following the nuptials, the gaiety and merriment shifted to Jamshed Baug, where all present enjoyed a sumptuous lagan nu bhonu – patra fish, chicken in cashew gravy, prawn pulao dar and kulfi – catered by Navsari’s enterprising Sunnoo Kasad. The fabulous day was excellently organized by Sharmin Tamboly, Administrator of the Center and her entire team, with encouragement from Bachi and Dinshaw Tamboly.

However, this is not the first time that the residents have tied the knot! 71-year-old, Minoo Kabraji married Havovi Bhagat last year on 12th September, 2015! One year into the marriage, Minoo says, “We are enjoying our life – much like our ‘second innings’. We’re truly grateful to WZO Trusts. In fact, next month we all plan going to Sanjan with other members of the SCC, and very soon my wife and I will be visiting a friend in Dubai who has invited us there! I worked as a school teacher in Pune, wherein my children would often ask me why I didn’t get married and I always said I because I did not wish to. But you never know what life has in store for you, and I happily got married at the age of seventy!”

Adding to her husband’s thoughts, Havovi said, “Initially there were adjustment issues, but now all is well. I had three sons who were a bit skeptical earlier but they all are now happy for me. Minoo and I spend time with my siblings in my Dahanu bungalow too. I’m glad I went ahead with my heart’s decision and am very grateful for being supported throughout by Dinshaw, Bachi and Sharmin Tamboly.”