We decided on forever

Vijay’s family and mine go way back to Canal No.2 Polder days. We kept hearing about each other from our dads over the years until we finally met late 2017. After waking up and stumbling into the kitchen for water, I was definitely NOT expecting to meet my forever…especially since my hair was up in a messy bun and I was wearing a ridiculous red lifeguard hoodie (ironic since I can’t swim let alone “lifeguard”). What followed was a series of super dumb events where two people, clearly attracted to each other and way too shy to pull the trigger, try to figure out if the feeling is mutual. Finally, I had enough and convinced him to attend a New Year’s Eve party with me on 12/31/2018. As cliché as it sounds, it was like two halves snapping into a whole and eventually I realized I couldn't remember NOT having him in my life.

Crystal and I met through our fathers, who had a friendship going back to Canal No.2. The first time we met was in her kitchen; she had just woke up from a late night and I thought she was beautiful. She was wearing this bright red life guard hoodie with faded white lettering and these grey sweat pants. I was stunned by her looks because she has a natural beauty that, even while hungover, made her glow. Crystal, trained by a series of true crime dramas and documentaries, proceeded to give me the third degree. After I reassured her I wasn't a murderer, we engaged in conversation and her intelligence matched her looks. Fast forward to when I moved down to Atlanta in 2018 and Crystal offered multiple times to take me around and meet her friends...her SINGLE friends that she assured me I would love...this shattered any thoughts in my head that I had a chance with her since I got “FRIEND-ZONED”. It wasn’t until New Years Eve, when she invited me to a house party, that I agreed to go with her. We shared an awkward moment where I wanted to kiss her but not sure of her feelings and totally punk'd out. After two more weekends of consecutive "hang outs", I then (finally according to Crystal) realized I had a chance with her. I asked her out and after confirming that “YES this is a DATE DATE and I LIKE LIKE you”, she agreed and here we are today

Vijay and I decided to make a weekend trip back home to drop off gifts and see family before Christmas. I called up my best friends to make dinner plans, which somehow snowballed into a “girl’s day”. This wouldn’t be suspicious if it weren’t for the fact that in 20 years of friendship, Rica Abiva has NEVER volunteered to get a blow out or nails done. Not once. Not ever. Needless to say my guard was up. After we arrived in the city we parted ways. I left for my “girls day” however, as the day progressed, a proposal was not on my radar. The rain was heavy and the city we loved was in the middle of grid lock traffic. We took a detour to New Jersey for a quick “errand” where we went into the most BEAUTIFUL luxury building overlooking the Hudson River and NYC skyline. I was forcefully convinced to wear a dress (despite my numerous and aggressive objections) and led towards a ‘shortcut’ to exit the building. Low and behold my surprise at the most AMAZING and MAGICAL set up ever. The man had tea lights and a mini Christmas tree with different photos of us hanging. A photographer and our best friends were in attendance to document…as well as attempt to shelter us from the rain. Vijay drew my attention to the little tree and in the midst of looking at our awesome memories from the past year, he pointed out a small silver box hanging from a branch. He said this was our next special memory before getting down on one knee to ask me to be his wife. After saying yes and jumping into his arms, there was another surprise waiting. Our family and friends had decorated the building’s party room and brought food and drinks and TWO cakes to celebrate our engagement. It was the most magical night as well as the most beautiful and special moment I have ever had in my entire life. Our friends and family mean the WORLD to us and to have them included in this celebration was more than words could ever describe and we humbly thank you with our whole hearts!!