We're getting married!

Our story began, as many did in those strange early pandemic days, with a screen between us. But even through the first socially distant video call, Natalia could tell Bhaskar was both kind and witty, making her laugh a lot despite her reservations. Our first in-person adventure felt a little like a leap of faith for Natalia – a socially distanced ice cream outing at a farm just outside the city. She jokingly admits she thought getting in the car for 45 min might be a prelude to a kidnapping! Instead, it was easy, fun, and filled with unexpected laughter. Bhaskar remembers picking her up, the sun warm on our faces as she tried to explain the sheer brilliance of CarTalk – "two guys with thick Boston accents diagnosing car troubles based on noises." He was instantly charmed by her unique perspective and the effortless way we connected. “Dropping her off later, I knew I wanted to do it again”. The realization that this was more than just dating hit both when Natalia moved to New York City after a few months of knowing each other. The thought of life without each other suddenly felt… dull. We decided to brave the distance, a decision solidified by her hilarious U-Haul departure soundtracked by blaring metal music. Soon after, Natalia returned to Boston after getting a job and the ease of conversation and laughter continued. Our early days were filled with city walks (much to Bhaskar's initial reluctance, preferring to drive everywhere!). Natalia introduced Bhaskar to the bliss of a beach day and the creamy perfection of burrata. Bhaskar charmed her with his exceptional Chai and guided her through the wonders of momos and the quirky shops of Porter Square. With Bhaskar, Natalia braved Boston driving again. Bhaskar in turn, attempted to tame her road rage. Both agreed he can be the primary driver now. The shift from “like” to “love” became undeniable during a long weekend in Vermont. Natalia, fiercely independent and cherishing her alone time, found that she could be her complete self, and wanted to spend every moment together. For Bhaskar, it was the sheer joy of simply being together. Since then, we’ve had many shared experiences, big and small: the momentous step of buying our home, and the unconditional love brought by our adopted dogs. Natalia often marvels at the years Bhaskar spent driving countless miles each week just to see her, still doing what Natalia calls the “Paul Revere route” to work until this day. Our travels, from the vibrant streets of Austin to the serene landscapes of Maine, the romantic canals of Venice, the unique beauty of Ecuador, and the bustling energy of India, have woven rich threads into the tapestry of our life together. We can’t wait for our next adventures together. We’ve learned to lean on each other through challenges. Natalia appreciates Bhaskar’s ability to lighten the load, his knack for saying the right thing at the right time, and his "one hard thing a day" philosophy that helps ground her. For Bhaskar, the relationship has been a constant source of comfort and support, especially on demanding days. Our shared values center on mutual well-being, being true partners, and unwavering support for each other’s dreams. We both prioritize the other's comfort and strive to live by our core principles in a constantly changing world. Through Natalia, Bhaskar has discovered a love for dogs he never expected and a passion for travel he hadn't known. Through Bhaskar, Natalia learned to “slow down and smell the roses”. She learned to appreciate the small joys of finding a new restaurant, the beauty of a Sunday drive with no clear destination and the peace that comes with making chai at home on a slow and cold day. Love, in the context of our relationship, is the simple comfort of waking up each morning feeling like "it's the best." It's the playful acceptance of losing the blanket wars and the quiet understanding that underlies every shared moment.