Once upon a time in Des Moines, Iowa (yes, Iowa!), a dedicated first-year medical student named Pranita and a young consultant named Sarang crossed paths in the most unexpected of places. Pranita was nose-deep in medical textbooks at Des Moines University (DMU), while Sarang, working with Accenture, was in town three days a week for client meetings. Somehow, fate (or sheer boredom) brought them together in the corn-filled heart of America. The two bonded instantly over their shared love for food, travel, and the fact that they both grew up just 30 minutes apart in the Bay Area. Funny how it took Iowa to make them realize what Silicon Valley couldn’t—that maybe love was just around the (Midwestern) corner. Date #1: Pizza at a fancy Italian spot (Centro) in Des Moines. Cue awkward pauses, nervous giggles, and two people wondering if they’d survive Iowa winters… together. Date #2: Drinks in Palo Alto. This is where Pranita discovered Sarang drove a gold minivan. A GOLD. MINIVAN. The same chariot she herself once ruled high school with. Date #3: They casually met Kamala Harris, then just a wee senator, as she campaigned in Des Moines. The highlight? Sarang giggling like a schoolboy because Kamala touched his shoulder (ask for the video—it’s iconic). Even as life threw a pandemic-sized curveball, their love story thrived. They navigated the chaos with virtual dates, a long-distance relationship, and a lot of patience. In 2022, Pranita graduated and began her Pediatric Residency at Valley Children’s Hospital in Fresno, CA. Sarang, now working from home, moved in with her. Soon after, they welcomed the newest member of their family: Bunty, a golden retriever mix who immediately became Pranita’s baby and Sarang’s bestie. Bunty also achieved the impossible—winning over two sets of previously dog-resistant parents who now spoil him with idlis and millet khichdi. Naturally, he’s become the real star of the family. Together, Pranita and Sarang have explored national parks, toured the U.S., and soaked up the sunshine in Spain and Italy. In May 2024, Sarang FINALLY popped the question at sunset in front of the Colosseum. (Yes, ladies and gentlemen, he waited until Rome to propose.) After the wedding, the trio—Pranita, Sarang, and Bunty—are embarking on their next big adventure in Portland, Oregon. Pranita will begin her Neonatology fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Sarang will continue to work from home (gold minivan optional), and Bunty will keep living his best unemployed, spoiled-pup life. Let the adventures continue!