Jab they met: Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari

New Delhi: In love, who needs words to communicate? Eyes say it all. Not necessarily all marriages have a pre-wedding story. Some relationships create love sagas after they are tied in a wedlock.One amongst those was Benazir Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari's love saga.Benazir was so occupied with managing the political affairs of Bhutto political dynasty that she could barely shell out few moments for love. But on the contrary, she wanted to marry for love and not settle down for a marriage arranged by her mother and other relatives.Benazir had crossed the age at which a normal Pakistani woman is supposed to be married. She was 32 and her life was not considered to be a normal one. In Pakistan, a woman of this age is married. Hailing from a strong political background, Benazir sought a career in politics to carry forward her father's legacy. She made a mark in the polity of Pakistan. She worked for bringing back the lost integrity of her nation and her party.She became a star and was considered as `sister or daughter' amongst the people of Pakistan.Benazir, who was head over heels adamant over settling down for a love marriage, had to introduce some changes to her plans.Destiny had something else stored for the upcoming star of Pakistan politics. Benazir's father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was sentenced to death during the rule of Zia-ul-Haq, and the responsibility of political affairs fell on her shoulders.Benazir devotedly worked towards the betterment of the country giving her very little time to concentrate on her personal life. Benazir was left with no option other than picking up an arranged marriage. She desired for a partner who would understand her political aspirations and her commitments towards her party and family.The year 1987 saw it happening. Asif Ali Zardari was Benazir's aunt's choice and not left with any choice, Benazir agreed to meet him.To everyone's surprise Benazir gave a nod to the relationship. She found Zardari caring. The two got engaged and the marriage was scheduled for year end. Their courtship period was filled with romantic and passionate moments. The long telephonic conversations began with Zardari recalling memories of Benazir during her teenage when she visited a cinema theatre which was owned by Zardari's father.Zardari sent Benazir roses and gifted her a heart-shaped ring to express his adoration for her.On December 18, 1987 their nikah (wedding) took place in Karachi.Being a strong-headed woman, Benazir was against dowry culture and desired to put an end to it.She opted for a simple wedding. She tried to introduce a change in Pakistani ritual in which the groom is meant to gift the bride expensive dresses and jewellery. She wanted to set an example by accepting minimum gifts and just two sets of dresses. Although the nikah was kept a complete private affair yet people in streets of Pakistan celebrated the wedding of their daughter.Let's have a look at some precious pictures from life and time of Benazir and Zardari.