Bhubaneswar, Nov 27: The shortest route that connects two countries is love. Love beyond culture is not only rare, but also another movie-styled fantasy everyone wants. The love story of Ana and Rajiv Misal shows that love can inspire many to swim through oceans fearlessly. 

Rajiv Misal, a man from Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, was working in Singapore when he met a Slovakian woman, Ana in a hospital. They became good friends. Ana fell in love with Rajiv's culture first, before falling for her friend. Culture became the matchmaker for the two lovebirds. They met each other's parents and proceeded to an important stage of union, marriage. 

Now here's the twist! After Ana travelled all the way from Slovakia to Paralakhemundi to meet Rajiv and family, she was given a cute Indian name, Ananya, which was published in the wedding invitations! The lavish marriage was held at Ramalingeshwar temple in Gajpati with Hindu rituals and massive celebrations. Friends and family from both sides joined the grand union and blessed the newlyweds.

The number of foreigners marrying into Indian households in admiration of the Indian culture and values has shot up. The traditions have spread its wings across countries and people are widely embracing it. Love and respect coexist with one another. Not necessary does our soulmate belong to our soil. A heart like ours might be beating in a foreign world, just like in Ana and Rajiv's story.

(Article compiled by Satabhisa Jena)