Nisha and Shivam’s story began the way many great ones do—with a little help from mutual friends. Shivam had recently moved to San Antonio for his pharmaceutical sales job and Nisha was still in medical school when they were invited to a get together with their friends. While the conversation was easy and the laughs came naturally, it was clear (at least to Shivam!) that there was something special about Nisha. Shivam—the ultimate salesman—knew a great opportunity when he saw one. After a few smooth messages and just the right amount of persistence, he asked Nisha on a mini golf date and Nisha accepted, curious to see what this charming guy was really pitching. It was the perfect setting with low pressure, lots of laughs, and just enough competition to keep things interesting. Somewhere between talking about life goals and debating the best golf stance, Nisha, in true rom-com fashion (and in true Nisha fashion), wasn’t watching where she was walking. She tripped over a bump in the green and stumbled forward, but before she could hit the ground, Shivam caught her in his arms. As he helped her up, he looked at her and said, “Didn’t think you’d fall for me this fast.” They both laughed. As the night went on, it became clear to Nisha that as cheesy as that line was, she knew deep down... he might be right. In true salesman fashion, Shivam had pitched himself well, and Nisha was starting to realize she was sold.

Nisha and Shivam were looking forward to their trip to New York together. As people who love to eat and explore, they were full of excitement. But Shivam had a secret. Tucked carefully in a hidden pouch inside his carry-on was a small velvet box, and inside that box was the ring. He had planned a surprise — a private boat ride around Manhattan where he would ask Nisha the biggest question of his life. The surprise was almost ruined by a carry-on bag and a very suspicious-looking man — at least, that’s how airport security saw Shivam. Right there, nestled between his socks and backup phone charger, was the ring. And standing just a few feet away, was Nisha, watching closely and laughing that he got "randomly checked." Under his breath, Shivam asks security to be discreet and after, breathed a sigh of relief when he was let go without Nisha knowing. Once in New York, things were going smoothly. They strolled through Times Square looking at billboards larger than life, wandered through Central Park like they were in a rom-com montage, and got lost just enough to make it feel like an adventure. By lunchtime, they made their way to Chinatown — a place Shivam had meticulously bookmarked with about 14 food spots as if they had bottomless stomachs. They devoured dumplings, slurped noodles, and tried a mystery dessert that may or may not have been made of beans. They had never been more full in their life and decided they need to find a non-food thing to do. Nisha had an idea - and a very coincidental idea. She quickly found directions to the Sabyasachi store and the two walked off the pounds of dumplings they had eaten throughout the day. As they turned the corner, they would see the bridal mannequins in rich silks and hand-embroidered everything filling the windows like a royal dream. Inside, Nisha danced through the store like she was shopping for a palace wedding. She held up silk gowns and sparkling golds as Shivam watched her and laughed to himself. She really had no idea.

Fast forward to the evening. Nisha and Shivam are watching Times Square from the rooftop. They began to hear the pitter patter of the rain and watched the towering billboards blur into streaks of neon, their reflections shimmering across wet glass like watercolor. Shivam nervously checked his phone — weather apps, boat company emails, backup plans. Nisha, blissfully unaware, looked up at the sky and said “Let’s just head down to the water. If we miss the ferry, we’ll catch the next one when the rain stops.” But it wasn’t a ferry. It was a private charter, with a captain on standby and a very specific departure time. Before Shivam could respond, Nisha was already making her way to the store across the street to buy $1 plastic ponchos to wear in true tourist fashion. Next stop, the train station. Shivam tried navigating the subway, only for Nisha to enthusiastically lead them — confidently and completely — in the wrong direction. By the time they realized and called a Lyft, Shivam was getting a bit nervous, watching the rain continue, refreshing his phone to see updates from the captain, and constantly patting his pocket to make sure the ring was still there. They arrived at the pier with just five minutes to spare — and then, like a scene from a movie, the skies began to clear. The gray clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the sun peeked through. Just then, a sleek private boat pulled up. Her eyes widened as he led her on board. As they sailed along the Manhattan skyline, the city glistening after the rain, the boat rounded under the Brooklyn Bridge. Shivam took a deep breath, reached into his pocket, and got down on one knee. They popped champagne on the deck cheering to celebrate the start of their life together. The city lights began to twinkle as evening fell while they sailed into their next chapter together.