In a way, Aratrika and Arjun feel their stories were written for each other. As a business-minded Bengali girl and an artsy Gujarati guy, the two have swapped cultural stereotypes. Both have connections to the western suburbs of Chicago, and it’s very likely the two of them crossed paths before, perhaps on the playground in their neighborhood or in the aisles of a nearby Patel Brothers. This connection blossomed during their first weeks at the University of Michigan in 2018. Arjun and Aratrika both lived in the same dorm, and after discovering their shared background, the two quickly joined a common friend group. But their friendship really only became something more when Arjun saw Aratrika was studying at the Law Library and started joining her. Whispering in deafening silence, the two went there almost every day, bonding over book discussions, silly drawings, and studying sessions that ran well past midnight — even if they were already done with their homework hours ago. One night, Arjun suggested they grab dinner at Noodles & Company, and he’s embarrassed to admit that Aratrika paid since she lost an incredibly nerdy bet. He told her how he felt, the two started dating, and you all know the rest. Aratrika and Arjun’s journey has taken them to all kinds of places, from Ann Arbor to Lansing to Chicago and now Urbana. They’ve also formed plenty of habits, like cooking new meals every weekend, watching movies, and playing board games and pickleball for hours. Through all of their experiences, the two have sought to hold each other accountable for their growth, stay humble to appreciate each moment, and remain youthful, never missing a moment to laugh or smile. As Aratrika and Arjun approach 8 years together, they feel grateful to be able to celebrate their wedding with you!