Paige has always been Madi’s guiding light / biggest inspiration / role model. When Madi graduated highschool, she followed Paige to OSU when she could not bare her being 2 hours away. Madi continued to follow Paige in many things, to the same sorority, and even to the same career field. She is not only an amazing older sister but a mentor in every area of Madi’s life. Madi lived with Paige and her husband Gio for a few years after college and since, Madi and Paige rarely go a week without seeing each other; often calling each other and stating “it's been too long since we hung out” even if it's only been 2 days. Paige and Madi were raised on StarWars and Lord of the Rings and continue to bond over whatever nerdy show/ book/ video game they are obsessed with that week. Madi always goes to Paige to find out when the planets are the cause of some issues in work or life. Fiercely loyal to each other, Paige and Madi often love to team up and pick-fun at their respective partners.

Often coined as Madi’s Brunette Sister, the two have never lived more than 20 minutes from each other. Rachael and Madi have been best friends since highschool having lived down the street from each other, and were freshmen roommates at OSU. Rachael and Madi have shared a love of makeup, hair, and fashion. Rachael has seen Madi through every hair and makeup transformation (including the dark years of hair extension and poorly drawn on eyebrows), and has always provided Madi with the best beauty advice. Madi has fondly been third wheel with Rachael and her husband Hunter over the years, and was Rachael’s Maid of Honor at their wedding. Rachael has always been there for Madi’s ups and downs, moves, and career changes. Madi exists today as she is because of the beautiful, supportive friendship Rachael has given.

Varun met Kishan their first week of orientation together in medical school at Ohio State. They bonded over their mutual love of playing and watching sports- especially soccer, basketball, tennis, and football. They enjoyed a healthy competitive streak in games and always pushed each other to be better. Varun spent most evenings at his and Taylor’s place watching ESPN for hours or trying to best him in Fifa on Xbox. He was ever present for all of the wild shenanigans during those years and- when he wasn’t an instigator- would provide Varun with wise counsel and always lend an ear during tough times. Following medical school, they were roommates for intern year of residency, navigating the challenges of being brand new doctors and the onset of the pandemic together. Although he moved to Chicago to complete the remainder of his training, they remained in close contact and continue to keep the party going whenever they meet up for weekends, weddings, birthdays, and holidays. Kishan remains Varun’s go-to person for life advice.

David was Varun’s first friend in medical school and welcomed him into his circle from day one. They initially got to know each other, spending countless hours studying in the evenings in the Prior Health sciences library. They naturally hit it off over a mutual love of Drake, OSU football, and Cane’s chicken. They became known for throwing some of the most memorable parties and never wasted a good football tailgating opportunity. David and his family welcomed Varun as one of their own and were an incredible support system through good times and bad. They were both successful in matching at OSU for residency and continued to grow their friendship in Columbus, all these years. Varun was fortunate to become close with David’s wife Sarah and served as a groomsman at their wedding. They introduced Varun to Madi and the rest is history.

Taylor has been Varun’s ultimate hype man and number one supporter from the first time they met in medical school. They connected over their mutual love of sports, weight training, music, and composition. Taylor helped Varun navigate difficult life obstacles with optimism and always provided a shoulder to lean on. Taylor credits Varun with being a catalyst to meeting his wife, Laura, and Varun served as a groomsman at their wedding. They continue to make time to see each other whenever possible, even with Tay’s newly added duties of being a father.

Varun and Saul initially got to know each other through mutual friends in medical school and quickly became close. Saul was Varun’s typical partner-in-crime for Friday/Saturday night activities. Nights out require sustenance for recovery, and they often rotated between the trifecta of asian noodle bowls, dim sum, and indian buffets. They also pushed each other in the gym with weight training, although Varun will likely never touch Saul’s squat rack PR. Over time, Saul became one of Varun’s closest confidants and they helped each other get through the toughest times in medical school and residency. Varun served as best man at Saul’s wedding to Jen this past year.

Joe, Madi’s cousin, is the officiant for the civil ceremony on Saturday. Countless hours of their childhood were spent playing pokemon and playing hide and seek. Joe has not only been family, but a close friend, and the two have only gotten closer over the years. Madi can always count on Joe to crack a joke and make any situation light. Madi was lucky enough to have Joe living in Columbus for a few years after he graduated college. His presence has been truly missed since he became “Big City Joe” and moved to Chicago; however the two keep in contact with phone calls on the weekends to catch each other up on their busy lives and so Joe can tell Varun that Varun is cute. It is always an treat when Joe, Madi, Varun, Paige, and Gio can be in the same city to relive the glory days of their weekends in Columbus. Varun and Madi are also very grateful that Joe introduced them to the band Royel Otis.

Endearingly referred to as Glob Cannoli, Gio is Madi’s Brother in Law. Always able to lighten any mood, Madi and Varun are truly lucky to have him in their lives. Gio has been the older brother Madi has always wanted, and in return Madi has done her best to be the annoying little sister Gio has never wanted. Gio is truly one of the most reliable people you could know–whether it be changing Madi’s flat tires, helping with home projects at Varun and Madi’s house, or just bringing the calming “It will be OK, we will figure it out” attitude to any difficult situation.

Varun’s paternal cousin and fellow adoptive Midwesterner. Even though they grew up continents apart, their passions and values could not be more alike–however it is unfortunate (mostly for Naman) that his is a Manchester United fan. Varun has been grateful that he and Naman have gotten to spend more time together in recent years, now that he is based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Varun and Madi are so thankful that Naman volunteered to be the photographer during their engagment ceremony in May of 2024.