Our story has some twists and turns. We first saw each other in 2011 at my cousin's housewarming. I thought he was a dork...sorry, love! A few years later we crossed paths again, on SnapChat this time! We talked for a whole summer every day over the phone and I kept telling myself I didn't like him. When we finally met again at our church convention in 2015 I couldn't help the feelings that overwhelmed me. We left convention deciding to be in a relationship but when college started a few weeks later we decided to focus on ourselves, so we went our separate ways. In 2016, church brought us together again at our MCYM youth conference. Sayuj just had shoulder surgery and he wasn’t going to come, but I was insistent and convinced him to make the trip. When I saw him in his sling, my heart broke. I really wanted to be there for him and help take care of him, but that wasn't my role at the time. So another year went by..... Until our 2017 church youth getaway to the Poconos! I tried to look extra nice that weekend just in case Sayuj would notice what he was missing out on. It took us a while, but we finally got it together and shared a special moment the last night of the trip. That's when we decided we want to be in each other's lives forever. Despite how special he was to me I still wasn't entirely convinced this was the real thing until about a week later. Sayuj had just finished his summer exams and drove all the way to my job in Philly to take me out on a date. That's when I knew in my heart, he wanted this as much as I did. If it wasn't for our Malankara Church and our families, this story would have never been written. The way he fits into my family, respects my parents, and loves my siblings and nieces is incredible. I've always been a hopeless romantic, influenced by books and movies, but over the last 7 years Sayuj has showed me what true love in a relationship is. I've never met anyone more patient, kind, thoughtful and forgiving. I see Christ in him every day and I am so thankful to God for bringing the perfect man for me.

There was no chance we were both 14! Those were my thoughts meeting Tessy for the first time. She was very pretty but looked like she was 18 and carried herself like she was 30. We first met at the house of Angel John (her cousin). The story officially begins in June 2015. We both graduated high school and were anticipating the upcoming Malankara Convention in Virginia. She randomly added me on SnapChat by username, and my ego blew up. We talked almost every day and she would call me on her walk to the train station in June and July. I knew she liked me and I had this in the bag. Convention happens and we're immediately in a relationship.  As soon as the reality of college hit, we went our separate ways and I thought she'd never want to talk to me again. Life soon went spiraling and I had a shoulder surgery scheduled for July 2016, the same week as the MCYM youth conference. I decided I wouldn't go, but Tessy texted me asking where I am on the first day. I explained my situation and she urged me to come even after missing a day. I knew seeing her would help me get my mind off the pain, so my one arm and I decided last minute to go. This ended up being my best decision of 2016. I had a really good time meeting new and old friends. While I didn't spend much time with her, she unknowingly helped me grow closer to the Lord by persuading me to come. The following year had passed and we didn't talk much until May 2017. I was busy trying to get healthier and focus on school. We had a Poconos trip with our church youth and we started talking again leading up to the trip. She was looking extra fine that weekend and we had some playful banter going back and forth. She even convinced me to bring my broken glasses and super glue, saying she could fix them. Even though she did a horrible job, getting super glue all over my lenses and her fingers, she set herself up for me to say, "I wouldn't mind carrying you around if you were stuck to my glasses 🤓".  We've been together ever since that day, and I'm grateful for this blessing God's placed in my life. I'm a really lucky guy to have someone like Tessy. Who else could treat your joints, give thoughtful advice, meal prep for the week, plan a wedding, walk her dog, all while talking to me and keeping me entertained? Don't worry, I'll wait...