I met Amalu the way a lot of modern love stories begin—on a dating app. At first, I didn’t expect anything serious. But then I came across her profile. There was something quietly beautiful about her pictures, almost like she was trying to hide how pretty she really was. And maybe, in some way, she was. Our first real connection? Pasta recipes. Yep, we bonded over how to make the best Alfredo sauce. But beyond that lighthearted start, what really stood out to me was her genuineness. She was grounded, honest, and carried a deep understanding of faith that immediately resonated with me. We quickly slipped into a rhythm of sharing little pieces of our lives—photos, stories, family moments. It was natural, like we’d known each other forever. A month flew by, and apparently, I was too comfortable—because Amalu called me out for not asking her out yet. She wasn’t wrong. So we planned to meet in Richmond, Virginia—each of us driving three hours to make it happen. I remember pulling up to the restaurant and seeing this beautiful girl outside. I thought she was a college student waiting on someone else. Then she waved at me. My heart jumped. That was her. That was the moment I saw the love of my life for the first time.
Recently, I found a journal entry I had almost forgotten about—one where I had poured out heartfelt prayers for my future spouse. Since 2022, I had been praying fervently for clarity, for a companion who would share my faith, values, and heart. While attending a Catholic conference, I found myself caught in a whirlwind of discernment. I had even seriously considered a religious vocation, wondering if I was being called to become a nun. In that moment of deep prayer and uncertainty, I asked God to reveal my true vocation. Dating had been a bumpy road. I had been on and off dating apps, often disheartened by the experience. But something nudged me to give Hinge one more try. That’s when Sushil liked my profile—and I liked him back the next day. His profile was... let’s just say, goofy, with some questionable pictures that made me laugh and raise an eyebrow or two. But there was something about him that made me want to give it a chance. What stood out right away was how intentional he was. Within a week, he moved our chats to a phone call—something most people hesitate to do. That simple step made all the difference and helped our connection take root. Though we came from different cultures—me, Malayali, and him, Tamilian—we shared a strong Catholic faith, similar morals, and life values. It didn’t take long for me to start falling for him (I have the text receipts I sent my cousins to prove it!). Soon I started dropping not-so-subtle hints for him to ask me out. When he finally did, I made sure my friends (and now bridesmaids), Jovelin and Armadha, had my back—literally. They acted as my undercover security detail, dining at another restaurant nearby in Richmond while I went on my first date with Sushil at Spoon. We talked for four hours straight. He left thinking he had a 50/50 chance; I left knowing this was something special. Our second date? Halfway across the world, in Bangalore, at Burma Burma in Indiranagar. That night, we officially called it—we were in this together. We told our parents and, with intentionality, asked the big questions early: about faith, family, and our non-negotiables. One “yes” led to another, and before I knew it, Sushil was down on one knee. We’re now ready to begin this next chapter with Christ at the very center. Our relationship is a testimony to prayer, to surrender, and to God’s perfect timing. Every day, I fall more in love—not just with Sushil, but with the beautiful way God has written our story. And we can’t wait to build a life rooted in faith, love, and laughter.