I’ve shared a lot of stories on MIS over the years. Like A LOT! And most of them have involved Vishnu in some way, but the story I haven’t shared is the one about how we met and eventually started dating. Until now that is…
And the best part is today’s our 13 year dating anniversary!
Vishnu and I met for the first time in January 2005 during a ski trip organized by four of the major universities in Georgia (I went to the University of Georgia and he went to Georgia Tech). He even hung out in our hotel room for a bit, but I didn’t talk to him. Haha. The one thing I remember is that he was wearing a Batman t-shirt. Guess what? That shirt’s in my closet now!
Fast forward to February 4, 2005. The day we met (again) and actually talked to each other!
Vishnu came to Athens with our mutual friend Kartik for UGA’s annual Indian Cultural Exchange (ICE) formal. The backstory is that Vishnu was originally just my friend Monica’s date. I was supposed to go with my friend Atul, but he couldn’t make it because of an exam. To make a long story short, Vishnu ended up being both mine and Monica’s date.
On Friday night (the night before the formal), a bunch of us ended up hanging out at our apartment. Kartik and Vishnu stayed the night at our place. The next morning, Vishnu and I watched a Bollywood movie together (Aitraaz) because I wanted to and he was there. I always joke that Vishnu tricked me that morning because here I was, a Bollywood princess, thinking this cool guy from Tech was also into Bollywood. Turns out he was into Priyanka Chopra. Ha!
That night we all went to the formal and had a blast. Vishnu and I even slow danced together to a Bryan Adams song. It was more goofy than romantic but still a fun memory!
After the formal, a bunch of us went to iHop, and on the way back to our apartment, Vishnu casually asked for both mine and my roommate’s phone number. At this point, I didn’t think anything of it because we literally just met. He was obviously already in love with me!
Over the next few months, we met up when we could and talked on the phone A LOT. In fact, during one of those months, we blew through something like 6,000 minutes.
It wasn’t until summer break when I started my internship in Atlanta and Vishnu started summer classes in the city when we started hanging out more frequently and by ourselves. He was even my ‘date’ to my company’s annual summer event.
Sometime in June things started to change, and I started having feelings for Vishnu. I remember the exact moment I thought, “Hey, I really like this guy!” Before said movie started, I got up to go to the restroom, and as I was walking away, Vishnu said something funny. I laughed and realized that he was no longer just my friend Vishnu.
Of course, I kept that little tidbit of information to myself.
Then a few days before the 4th of July, we made plans to grab dinner and watch the fireworks together. Something felt different that night. Vishnu was much more touchy feely and playful. I thought it was a little weird but didn’t want to make any assumptions.
July 4, 2005!
After the fireworks, we decided to grab some dessert at Cafe Intermezzo (our fav place!). We somehow got into a discussion about how our friends thought we were dating because we hung out all the time, etc., etc. It basically ended with how we didn’t want to ruin our friendship…sooo no dating! Vishnu dropped me off at my car and that was that. Or so I thought.
On my way home, I was talking to my best friend Roshni about my ‘date’ and all the weirdness when I got a call from Vishnu. I said hi. He asked, “Soooo has dating crossed your mind?” I said, “Ummmm yes.” He said, “Ok, cool.” And that was that! With that question, we officially started dating and the rest is history!
Legally married!
The past 13 years have been full of ups, downs, long distance, business school, medical school, residency, new jobs, a trillion moves, a beautiful baby, etc. And you know what, while it’s been an amazing ride so far, I know the best is yet to come! Especially with my best friend and main man by my side! Happy 13, babe!
Your turn – How long have you and your significant other known each other?