JoJo & Shal’s story began in the virtual realm. In 2020, they both enrolled in an online developmental genetics class during their PhD program. While they both knew they would gain knowledge of developmental pathways and genetic technologies from the course, what they didnt know is that in this course they would both meet their complementary strand. They were the only two students to keep their videos ON during presentations, which made Shal feel an instant connection with JoJo since they were both trying to make the class more interactive for everyone. One day when JoJo left his video ON after he was done presenting, Shal nervously texted him - “Do you know your video is still ON?!” 😂. For the rest of the semester, while the professors rambled about gene expression, Shal and JoJo’s friendship was transcribed and translated, gradually evolving into a romantic bond. JoJo made the first move pretty cleverly and indirectly asked her out to an Indian restaurant since he had only had Indian food once before. Like a zebrafish, Shalini took the bait and suggested her favorite Indian place in Madison, Amber. Wearing his finest Wisconsin flannel, JoJo picked up Shalini in her flamboyant Indian attire – that was the first time JoJo ever saw an Indian princess. From across the table, over the Chicken 65 and Mutton Rogan JoSh, JoJo could not stop staring at her eyes, and couldn’t believe how she was so sweet, funny, interesting, smart, and goofy all at the same time. Shal, who was strictly against dating a non-Indian couldn’t help but fall for this guy who wouldn’t stop asking about India and her culture. She was enthralled to listen to him talk about his science- she felt like she was watching a movie! Unknowingly, by just being around, he lifted Shalini’s spirits. He made her confident about herself and in her pursuit of a difficult PhD program. He made her fall for herself by letting her be her silly-childlike-crazy self and uplifted her being with his caring, gentle, and innocent friendship. It didn’t take them long to realize their souls were meant to be together forever. And then, from being blessed by Shal’s parents in a Buddhist monastery in India to JoJo proposing her at a Hindu temple infront of his family, they were engaged!