Kitri was studying veterinary medicine in the exciting town of Pullman, Washington-- the kind of town where you go to Idaho for a fun night out. Vrajesh came up from California for work, taking the opportunity to visit a friend from graduate school, Rocky, who also happened to be a friend of Kitri's. The three of them went on a hike; then for a drink; then camping in Big Sur; then before you know it, Kitri and Vrajesh were traveling across states to visit each other. Four years of long distance later, Kitri finally convinced Vrajesh to move to Washington. Their airline expenses decreased considerably.

They were going hiking up Mailbox Peak. In true Kitri and Vrajesh fashion, they did next to no planning. The weather was grey and disappointing. Kitri took too long getting up in the morning and they were late hitting the trail. And even with the slow start, Kitri still managed to forget her hiking boots. The hike was more challenging than they had expected and consequently, they ran out of water halfway up the mountain. Result: Vrajesh was grumpy! Vrajesh wanted to turn back when they ran out of water, but Kitri insisted they were almost there (she was lying). But eventually they made it up the 4000 feet elevation gain. At the very top of Mailbox Peak, apart from a stunning 360 degree view, there sits a literal mailbox. Inside the mailbox, hikers traditionally slip various souvenirs, notes, messages of achievement celebrating the hike they just performed. Into the mailbox, Kitri wrote a romantic note that read as follows: "Bring scotch next time." Vrajesh had a little more to write: "I love this woman named Kitri. Would you like to spend the rest of our lives together?" Kitri wrote: "Of course, you idiot." No words were spoken, but they headed back down the mountain happy. And then Kitri's anxiety started to surface. Was that actually a proposal? I mean, he didn't kneel, there was no ring, he didn't actually use the word 'marriage', and man was he grumpy all morning! People were never grumpy when they proposed in the movies. Maybe she misinterpreted the note! Luckily, when they got home and changed immediately into pajamas, Vrajesh turned on a Harry Potter movie, snuggled up with Kitri on the couch, and produced a ring. Doubts quelled. Thanks, Harry Potter.