We never thought we would find the love of our life during a pandemic but that’s exactly what happened! We first met online through Shaadi and then in person at Eggcellence cafe in Sugar Land. During that brunch, we talked for almost two hours and realized we had a lot in common in our refined tastes and experiences. There was so much material that we had to go on a second date! & a third. & a fourth. & a fifth. & an infinity. All those invigorating conversations over ramen, pizza, tacos, boba, and so much more made our bellies and hearts happy. We grew closer over Renaissance fair, Diwali, Christmas, New Years and so many other beautiful moments.

Our love story is quite unique like the both of us. In February, Texas was hit with a hard freeze over Valentine’s Day weekend. There was no power, the roads were unsafe to drive on, & we were stranded together in this icy weather. Our first romantic V-Day plans were canceled but fate had other plans. Through being close to each other in the dark, gazing at each other by candlelight, drinking Turkish coffee, & having long conversations, the warmth between us kindled a new fire that the freeze dared not extinguish. Priya was the woman I wanted to be with forever & it was time to give her a shiny gift of our growing love. After my birthday, I found the perfect ring but it would take four weeks before it arrived. Since we had not had our romantic fun in Austin for V-Day, I figured I could plan the proposal there. A coworker mentioned 360 Bridge & a Google search showed me that it would be a beautiful spot to propose. I recruited Priya’s mom & sister as willing accomplices. Her mom was overjoyed hearing my plan & Poorvi agreed to be the photographer. Before that weekend, I drove to Austin to check out the bridge & plan our special moment. During dinner at Priya’s house a couple days before, Poorvi & I suggested a Saturday morning photo shoot to Priya & she agreed. We drove to Austin that Friday & enjoyed exploring SoCo. The next morning, Poorvi came by our hotel & we drove to 360 bridge for our “photo shoot”. It was a steep climb to the top in our fancy clothes & the ring in my pocket. Poorvi took a few test shots & Priya turned away gazing at the horizon. I winked at Poorvi, got down on one knee, & said to Priya “Could I ask you a question?”. Priya gave the biggest smile & answered with “A million times YES!”. We finished our photo shoot with big smiles & called our parents who had eagerly waited by the phone all morning. After sharing the news & hearing the emotions in their voice, we climbed down the hill and started the next chapter of our lives.