As young, bright-eyed freshmen at the University of Texas at Austin, Pooja and Harsha first met in Blanton Dormitory. Serendipitously, Pooja lived on the same floor as Harsha’s close friends, so before long a little friend group was born. They quickly became good friends and would frequently study together and enjoy dinners on Guad (aka the Drag).

When sophomore year rolled around, Harsha and Pooja started talking more frequently. Over the course of the first semester, they became closer and closer, becoming intertwined with one another’s friend groups. On January 29th, 2017, after months of chatting, hanging out, and getting dinners, Harsha held Pooja’s hands on the west side of Dean Keaton Ave and nervously asked her to be his girlfriend. Fortunately for him, she said yes! Over the next few years, Pooja and Harsha let their fledgling love grow into something truly special. They made the most of their time in college together - celebrating birthdays, cheering on the Longhorn football team, and exploring the many restaurants of Austin. Pooja even introduced Harsha to Thai food! They made so many new lifelong friends and nurtured old ones.

After college, Pooja and Harsha both moved to Houston to begin the next chapter of their lives. Pooja spent the next four years in dental school while Harsha began his career in the energy industry. It always felt special that they got to be in the same city - and they made sure to make the most of it. Between rodeos, football games, and marathons, their chapter in Houston had no shortage of excitement. On October 2nd, 2022, while the pair were in their final year in Houston, Pooja made a decision that would change their lives forever. She brought home a 10-year old rescue cat, named Josie. Josie’s sweet, mellow, playful temperament made their hearts grow in directions they didn’t know existed. Josie is such a special part of their lives and now, they cannot imagine being without her! On December 17th, 2022, Harsha couldn’t wait any longer. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with his best friend and partner-in-crime. With Pooja’s parents’ blessings, he walked Pooja to a corner of Buffalo Bayou park, overlooking the grand Houston skyline. Harsha got down on one knee and asked the love of his life to marry him. She said yes!