Ashwin planned a special day with Anisha and their faithful pup Chewie at Brown County State Park on October 15, 2021. Unbeknownst to Anisha, Ashwin had secretly planned to propose to her that day. After a hike in the park, the two went up to a gorgeous lookout point, where Ashwin was prepared to pop the question. There was only one problem: another park-goer was close by, sitting in the back of his truck, with his feet dangling out of the door. The image and odor of the feet was off-putting. So, Anisha wrinkled her nose as if to say "Smell you later." This clearly was not the romantic mood Ashwin was trying to cultivate. Nonetheless, Ashwin persevered, and his persistence paid off, as he found another gorgeous lookout point named Hesitation Point, and surprised Anisha with the proposal. Contrary to the name, there was no hesitation involved. She said yes, and the couple darted off to Bloomington, IN to celebrate that afternoon at their alma mater, Indiana University. That evening, Ashwin had yet another surprise in store for Anisha, as their closest friends helped throw a surprise engagement party at his house to celebrate the monumental occasion.

Anisha and Ashwin met for their first date at a park to enjoy the beautiful fall leaves while walking on the trails. They soon lost track of time after talking for hours getting to know each other. Anisha knew Ashwin was special when he stopped to say "hi!" to every dog they passed and also when he said Good Morning to everyone they passed....even though it was the afternoon. Anisha found this endearing and agreed to go on a second date. The rest....is history.

Dating and attending social events during the COVID pandemic was challenging, but Anisha and Ashwin were able to attend a special outdoor charity event at a drive-in theater just a few weeks after they starting dating. The photo seen below is their first photo together, chillin' in the frunk of Ashwin's car at The Night Amongst the Stars, where the movie "Hoosiers" was played.