In a celebration of enduring love, a couple from Phoenix marked their diamond wedding anniversary on Valentine’s Day, a date that underscores their 60-year marriage.
Sunny Sookoo, who turns 79 on Sunday, and his wife Maya, 78, commemorated this rare milestone on Friday surrounded by their family.
Sunny and Maya's journey began in 1965 when they entered into an arranged marriage at just 18 years of age. Looking back, they recounted how the concept of Valentine's Day was unfamiliar at the time of their wedding.
"Three months after we were proposed to, we got married. We had no choice then but had to abide by the rules of the arranged marriage. At first I didn't want to get married. I didn't know about love and the birds and the bees. It was not love at first sight. But we got to know each other and love each other. I have no regrets," said Maya.
Sunny said love came later.
"I lived on a farm in Welbedacht, and Maya lived in Sydenham. My uncle who was Maya's neighbour thought Maya would be a good choice for me. They made the best choice," said Sunny.
Sunny joked that Maya could not leave him as he was a handsome guy.
"He was handsome and still is," said Maya.
The couple attributes the success of their long-lasting relationship to fundamental tenets of marriage: trust, love, and understanding.
“It’s about not keeping secrets,” they both agreed.
Sunny and Maya's love story has flourished through the years, they have five children, 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE