That same year, after making some big changes in his life, Ste decided to move to the leafy and charming suburb of Bowdon (Altrincham) while continuing to work in Manchester. Little did he know what the coming months had in store for him.

Unbeknownst to both, they were moving in circles that often overlapped, sometimes within meters of each other, without realizing what destiny had in store. Ste's work schedule often took him very close to Nidhi's location.

One cold winter’s day in Manchester, Ste first spotted Nidhi at Cornbrook Metro Station. Her beauty, caught his eye as she brushed past him while he boarded the Metro home. Not forgetting her face, he searched for her on social media with little to go on.

That was until the beginning of June 2023...

Through a mutual friend, that brief chance encounter was relived, but this time, it was different. Both Nidhi and Ste felt an undeniable connection and would talk long into the night (5 am, Ste confirms). After several calls and messages, they agreed to meet.

Their first true meeting went better than anyone could have planned. They embraced warmly, as if they had known each other for years, their compatibility and comfort with each other dissolving any expected awkwardness.

Officially becoming a couple on June 10, 2023, they spent all their time together, never letting a moment pass them by.

Nidhi decided that such an important part of her life should also be entwined with her family, and so knowing how important it is in Indian culture Ste agreed to speak with the Madam of the family Dr Neelima Singh, or as Ste would come to call her Mumma... it would be some time before Ste was introduced to Dr Deepraj... but we will come to that later.

Immediately Mumma knew that these two were very serious about each other and that their bond was very strong. After introductions to both families it was decided that each side should meet, thanks to technology the problem of several thousands of miles was overcome and both sides agreed that Nidhi and Ste were meant to be.

With Nidhi’s time in the UK coming to an end and no visa extension in sight, she prepared to return to India. But she wouldn’t be going alone. The couple had to make some big decisions to stay together.

Ste ultimately left his job, home, family, and friends for the woman he loves. Not knowing what was around the corner, he jumped headlong into life in India, where he was immediately welcomed by the family (especially Mumma, who is still convinced he was imported for her).

Nidhi was concerned about how her famously stoic father would react to such a gora being with his pride and joy. She quickly realized she had no reason to worry, as the two hit it off famously and became close and proud allies (often to Nidhi and Mumma’s annoyance).

With Dr. Deepraj’s and Dr. Neelima’s blessing, the couple set out to confirm the wedding dates with the guidance of a Pandit. With everything set, the only thing left to do was to confirm the venues.

And so, we find ourselves here, ready to witness the union of two great families: the Tullochs and the Bais-Singhs.

Join us at the beginning of this new chapter as the couple embarks on their journey into the future as one.