The first time I met Rahul I was carrying my lunch tray in our cafeteria (the "Rat") on my first day at Rhodes College, and I saw him sitting with a few other classmates. I recalled his face since he had already messaged me on Facebook before classes even began!
After our brief encounter at the Rat, I would see him around campus but never thought about him as more than a friend until our senior year of college. Our friend groups became closer and we inevitably spent more time together. Our trips to Panera Bread for breakfast started to feel like dates, and my feelings began to grow for him. Every Sunday night, I worked a shift at the help desk in the library on campus. I remember seeing him walk in and feeling my heart flutter in my chest. I would try to act "cool" and pretend as if I didn't see him, all while hoping he would come over to talk to me. He did every time.
Upon college graduation, we pursued our academic ambitions in different parts of the country. Regardless of where I was, he was my constant support. While Rahul finished medical school and I was finishing law school, COVID hit, and we were fortunate to spend more time together and get our pup, Archie. In 2021, Rahul began his residency program in Saint Louis, MO, and on our fifth anniversary, Rahul brought me to the botanical gardens, kneeled down on one knee, and asked me to be his wife. It was an easy yes.
Rahul, Archie, and I are now mid-westerners who enjoy spending time with our friends and family, traveling the world, cooking meals together, cheering on the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team, and exploring Saint Louis.
Alisha and I were both part of the same Indian friend group throughout college. As we hung out more often, I realized I started liking Alisha more than just a friend. Late-night Taco Bell runs, quick trips to Panera for breakfast, and meeting up in the library to “study” were all done secretly behind our friends’ backs. When we officially started “dating” senior year of college (best time to start, am I right?), I remember one of my roommates chasing me with a shoe and yelling “You are going to screw this up and ruin our friend group!” Well, I didn’t screw it up!
Post-graduation, I stayed in Memphis for medical school while Alisha moved to Birmingham, DC, and later Nashville for law school. Long-distance was sometimes difficult, but I believe it strengthened our relationship. We learned to communicate better, support each other unconditionally, and not take the small things in life for granted. Our journey's have introduced us to a lot of wonderful people, many of whom will be celebrating our special day with us.
After almost a decade of knowing Alisha, I can say without a doubt that I couldn’t imagine a more loving, supportive, confident, and beautiful person to spend the rest of my life with. Our puppy, Archie, couldn’t agree more!
The couple's pup and best confidante!