Somewhere near a peculiar Taco Bell in Somerset, New Jersey, Puja embarked on a journey looking for love in the desert of the modern dating world. Her soulmate, it seemed, remained elusive. Meanwhile in Jersey City, Jigar had his own epiphany. He decided that he, too, needed to embark on the quest for love. Armed with a smartphone and a thirst for connection, he joined the world of online dating. Jigar, ill-prepared for this online world, found himself without pictures that weren’t from the 5th grade. He enlisted the help of friends, family, and nice strangers to capture snapshots and preparing him to embark on his love quest. With a virtual coffee cup in hand, he stumbled upon a magical app called CoffeeMeetsBagel. It was a brisk, beautiful morning when as Indian Matchmaker’s Seema-aunty would say the stars aligned. Just two weeks into his virtual quest, Jigar's screen presented him with a picture that seemed to radiate warmth and charm. It was none other than Puja. Their eyes met through the digital world, and there, in the land of swipes and profiles, Puja did what any romantic would do – she swiped right and immediately left the state. Even as she savored a chilled glass of rosé amidst the bustling streets of Chicago, the constant exchange of texts between her and Jigar became an unceasing conversation. Her smile, a beacon of unspoken joy, did not go unnoticed by her friend, Oscar, who couldn't resist the urge to inquire. “Who are you texting and why are you smiling so much?” Puja was nonchalant, “oh, just this cute guy I matched with.” Little did she know, her perception would evolve after merely two captivating rendezvous. Unbeknownst to them this seemingly ordinary digital connection would pave the way for an extraordinary love story, where Taco Bell and coffee would be the least quirky things in their adventure.

Puja was neck deep in budget season and Jigar knew the only way to see her was to find the perfect restaurant in Midtown near her office. The two lovebirds finally made it to their first date on September 9, 2022. In the dim lighting of the nearly empty Italian restaurant, Ramarino Prime, Puja did what any finance professional would do in this situation. She conducted a business meeting, excluding the PowerPoint presentation. Jigar patiently answered all of her questions, gaining comfort as the date progressed. They stumbled a few times, but overall they both considered the date a success. The first date, like many future dates, ended with a walk to 33rd and 6th, also now known as “Jigar and Puja’s corner”, to say their goodbyes.

As their connection deepened, they couldn't stop texting and talking, setting the stage for a multitude of future dates. What they discovered was a shared passion for Broadway shows, and they made a delightful tradition of attending as many as they could, even if it meant navigating the chaotic bustle of Times Square. Amid the dazzling lights of the Theater District, they found solace in each other's company and the melodies of the stage. Puja swiftly realized that love had found its way into her heart. They ventured into each other's worlds with genuine curiosity. Puja accompanied Jigar on a captivating journey through the Met, immersing themselves in the world of art for hours. It was during this time that Puja introduced Jigar to the delightful world of "Gilmore Girls," making him realize the show's truly one of the best. As they delved deeper into their connection, they uncovered a shared and unquenchable passion for travel. Their relationship began to revolve around the art of planning and embarking on adventures. The inaugural trip took them to Washington, D.C., a place close to Puja's heart due to her college days. Over the weekend, they explored museums, admiring both the artwork and one another. It was on this journey that they discovered the importance of snacks to ward off the hangry beast, a lesson that would prove essential to a harmonious relationship. Looking back, that weekend excursion to D.C. was nothing short of a resounding success, etched in their memories with warmth. As they stood at Penn Station, on the brink of parting ways, Jigar, too, found himself irrevocably lovestruck by the magic of their connection. The allure of travel had firmly rooted itself in their hearts. Zoom date nights and late-night escapades on shared Google sheets became their rituals. They meticulously planned future trips, plotting must-see attractions and all the best spots for gelato. As time flowed like a river, their adventures led them to the enchanting landscapes of Italy, the romantic streets of France, the cozy corners of Denmark, and the charming water of Sweden, with a delightful stopover in sunny San Diego. Together, they created a tapestry of memories that would last a lifetime, weaving their love story into the very fabric of their wanderlust-filled hearts. The rest is history, filled with coffee, pizza, travel, and lots of love.

While Puja had been certain about wanting to marry him after just their second date, Jigar took a little more time to reach the same conclusion. However, it wasn't long before he caught up and hatched a wonderfully romantic proposal plan. To make it all happen, he sought the assistance of their siblings - Bijal, Charles, Ketan, and Minal. Jigar began by dropping hints that he had no intentions of proposing for several months, all while secretly coordinating a surprise engagement party with their closest friends. In the background, Jigar and the siblings diligently scouted potential proposal locations and bought everything proposal related Amazon had to sell. With all the preparations made, Jigar artfully organized everything while casually informing Puja that they were going on a double date with their friends, Amy and Peter. Little did she know that this seemingly ordinary evening would soon transform into a magical and unforgettable turning point in their relationship. During their stroll to the “restaurant,” in Puja's signature style, she couldn't resist questioning the path Jigar was following, and she insisted on leading the way in navigating. Unbeknownst to her, Jigar had a little surprise up his sleeve. He directed them to the picturesque Jersey City waterfront, where a mesmerizing setup awaited them. Against the backdrop of the stunning New York City skyline, the words "Marry Me" gleamed in marquee lights, casting a romantic glow over their special moment as he got down on one knee. Overwhelmed with emotion, Puja couldn't help but cry, but amidst the tears of joy, she managed to utter a resounding "Yes." And so began their journey, a lifetime of togetherness filled with love and adventure.