Lovingly written by Mira Patel, Maid of Honour and sister of the bride

It is said that the best love stories stem from friendship. And that is how this particular story started. Girl applies for job, boy applies for the same job, boy sees girl's resume and then thinks he's not qualified enough for the job, both end up getting the job, boy meets girl in lab and initially thinks: "Wow, she's short". I'm sure she thought the same about him.

Okay, so not the smoothest of starts, but hear me out.

June 2019, both hiking-loving scientists (still friends, at this point) are making a once-in-a-lifetime trek up Kilimanjaro with friends (shoutout to Kiran!). Plenty of time to poke fun at each other, banter with jokes, bond over new found commonalities - this was definitely the spark. And boy, did it spark - even the other group members of the hike kept going up to each of them separately to say: "You know, you guys should totally date".

It's usually in moments of humility, when you find out the core of a person - and both Priya and Josh liked, appreciated and respected what they saw in each other.

Fast forward 3 years to 14th July 2022. Priya and Josh have been dating 3 years, lived together for 1, are considering getting a dog and are currently in Scotland. Josh asks the tour guide for advice on the most romantic view in the famed Scottish Highlands and gets down on one knee!

This is the part of the story where I'd like to say that Josh recited a sweet ode to romance and Priya broke down in tears and exclaimed "Yes, yes, a thousand times - yes!", but in actuality and in true form, Josh had a moment of panic and blurted out "Babe, will you marry me?". Of course Priya had figured out his plan weeks before, but appreciated the effort nonetheless. The insistence on going to the Highlands alone (and, of course, customizing her own engagement ring) definitely gave it away.

This chapter has yet to be completed, but starts with a thank you to everyone who has been a part of Priya and Josh's lives the past few years and more. With the support of friends and family they will continue to learn and grow through ups and downs, appreciating every moment each step of the way.