Sikh student hopes for acceptance of Muslim boyfriend from her parents

(Secrets and lies of love; Part Three)

In the Indian society interfaith relationships are not so permissible to the older generation of parents. Amrita, 23 from Birmingham shares her experiences as she revealed her relationship with her Muslim partner to her parents.

Amrita has been in a hidden relationship with her Muslim boyfriend for 3 years, her parents have been kept away from the truth. Although her parents had suspected, Amrita had told lie-to-lies for a way out to avoid the fear of her Sikh-Muslim relationship.

"My dad had asked me 2-years ago if there was anything going on with me and him, I was scared of his reaction so I told him we were just best-friends.

"I know how my parents think and the way they bought me up made me realise they were bound to say no to me and my boyfriend".

On 27th March, Amrita had come home with her partner to confess her relationship.

"It was emotional, nothing like I would have imagined. My parents were mad, upset, and hurt. I felt like I had crumbled their trust and love for me right then.

"We told them how we felt, they were stressed and told me it's not going to happen and that we cannot carry on. They constantly spoke about how we are different religions and how they will never be able to mix with his Muslim family. They were not willing to accept his good heart".

She expressed that if herself and her partner had been together for 3-years, then it would be no problem for the families to form a bond.

"We get on, so how can my parents say they will never be able to mix with his family? If it wasn't possible we would have been apart a long time ago", she said.

Amrita's relationship is a test of life and love, as she believes interfaith can work through compromising, whilst believing in her religion and accepting her partner's religion.

The Sikh-Muslim couple were not approved of marriage by her parents. They both now have moved away from their families to live the future together, as they wished.

"I knew if I listened to my parents I would regret the biggest decision of my life, at least I am happier than I would have been. My partner has been the smile on my face ever since.

"I hope for the best of acceptance soon from my parents".

#tellingyourparents