From Classmates to Best Friends - It all started when we met through mutual friends at university. From the very beginning, our friends seemed to insist we were meant to be together. Instead, we became best friends, attending all our classes together, even when we had different professors. (Yes, we were those best friends who people just assumed were already dating.) Little did we know, somewhere between late-night study sessions and endless conversations, we had already become an essential part of each other’s lives.

Lockdown Era - Just when we thought we had all the time in the world, the world hit COVID-19. Suddenly, our daily hangouts and study sessions were replaced with lockdowns and social distancing. Virtual dates became our new normal, syncing up movies to watch “together,” and battling it out in online games. Somewhere between the 2 AM heart-to-hearts and uncontrollable laughter over the world’s worst internet connections, it hit us—we weren’t just best friends anymore. This was something more.

A New Beginning - Meeting the families was a huge milestone. From the very beginning, they welcomed us with open arms, embracing our journey with love and excitement. In July 2023, we had our Indian engagement ceremony, our Roka, surrounded by the love and blessings of our families.

The Proposal - After our Roka, it was my turn to plan the perfect proposal. The only problem? My Type-A fiancée has an ability to predict my every move. Keeping it a secret was nearly impossible. But somehow, I pulled it off. With her favorite song playing in the background and the city skyline reflecting off the water, I finally got down on one knee. And in that perfect moment, she said YES!