We both met during a time when both of us were in transition. Niyata was in her final year of medical school, traveling around the country for rotations, and Shashank was finishing his master’s in computer science. Despite the distance and our packed schedules, something just clicked.

We connected over our favorite foods, nostalgic movies, family stories, and future dreams. For two months, we built a friendship rooted in laughter, honesty, and a genuine curiosity about one another’s lives.

Our first in-person meeting was in Dallas in December 2023, a weekend that felt both exciting and strangely familiar. We visited the Dallas World Aquarium, wandered through glowing Christmas lights, and found ourselves completely at ease in each other’s company. That weekend marked the beginning of something real.

Since then, we’ve celebrated many milestones together: Niyata graduated from medical school and began her residency in Galveston, while Shashank earned his degree and started his career in Michigan. Though miles apart, we’ve remained deeply connected — sharing meals over video calls, dreaming up our future, and flying back and forth to see each other as often as possible.

Even from different cities, we take care of one another in the small, meaningful ways that matter most. He sends her flowers and makes sure her bills are paid when work gets hectic. She reminds him to eat on time, checks in on his mental and physical health, and always finds a way to make him smile, no matter the distance.

Our relationship isn’t built on grand gestures; it’s built on consistency, support, joy in the everyday, and the quiet comfort of knowing we have found each other.

Now, with full hearts and immense gratitude, we’re so excited to celebrate this next chapter with all of you — our closest friends and family who’ve supported us every step of the way.