The proposal took place on the evening of May 1st, 2019 at J Owen Grundy Park, a riverfront pier with gorgeous views of the NYC skyline. It was a perfect evening with a calm wind to create just a beautiful romantic setting. This was the very same place Awais and Rabia first met!
Awais had been tirelessly working late on some major deals for the past few weeks. The closing of these deals on May 1st called for a celebration so Awais had planned a nice dinner in the city for the evening. Awais had also told Rabia several months ago that he will be in Jersey City volunteering at a school through his company on that day so they can drive to dinner together.
The day of the proposal is here. Celebrations are always the perfect excuse for dress up so as usual Rabia is running late for their “dinner reservations.” At the last minute Awais asks Rabia to meet him at J. Owen Grundy Park. Rabia frantically reaches the park to meet Awais and while she is complaining about the traffic and being late, Awais pulls her out of the car on a short stroll around the pier. As they start walking, Awais begins to recollect the first moment they both locked eyes and the path they walked on the pier during their first date. Still oblivious to what's to come, Rabia's attention quickly shifts as she's overwhelmed with nostalgia and during the entire walk she sees no one in the moment but Awais.
As they walk further down the pier, Awais pulls Rabia up onto the gazebo and says “You know what would make this moment absolutely perfect right now? If our song was playing.” Que: Sajna Door by Ali Zafar playing faintly and getting louder as they walk. Rabia confusingly says, “So weird there’s actually music playing here? Wait, that sounds like our song?! Babe, that’s OUR song!” Awais has eyes just full of love giving Rabia a look she hasn’t seen before. She starts feeling butterflies in her heart. As he is getting down on his knee, he says, “Rabia Beg, will you do me the honor of becoming Rabia Bhatti?” Opens a beautiful blush pink box and continues, “Mujhse shaadi karo gi?”
The butterflies just flutter all the way up and fill her heart. Tears of joy roll down her cheeks as she nods her head and says YES!
As they share a hug, there’s a loud cheer. Rabia turns around and finds her best friend Katie standing front and center! She had been secretly following them the entire time filming the proposal!
Awais knew how much it would mean to Rabia to have her best friend by her side during such an important milestone so they both secretly arranged for Katie to drive up and help capture this romantic proposal!