Together with Tanmay Asija and Amanat Singh
1.) How did you meet each other?
Well, we originally met at a high school dance in 2011, but we didn’t really talk to each other after that. It wasn’t until 2013 when we reconnected through Amanat’s cousins, who was on the same dance team as Tanmay in college. We started talking, and the rest is history.
2.) What was your first impression about your partner?
A: My first impression of Tanmay was that he was very kind and different. He complimented my name, while not a lot of Indian boys even knew what my name meant.
T: I don’t remember too much of the first time we met…we were in the same friend group that took pictures and went to dinner before the dance. But I do remember seeing a quiet, nervous, and pretty Indian girl, so I tried making conversation with her to make her feel more comfortable.
3.) What is your favorite memory that you have shared together?
Our engagement! It was one of the most surreal moments in our relationship, and it was so special because we were able to get all our family and friends together (safely) during the craziness of COVID. The day was perfect.
4.) How did you know he/she was the one?
A: When Tanmay went to Chicago and we were doing long distance, it was a trying time in our relationship. But we just continued to grow both independently and together. I always knew he was my best friend and partner, but I realized it could be a forever thing after going through that experience with him.
T: I really enjoyed the way she was able to connect with my entire family – from my parents and siblings to my cousins and nieces/nephews. She just seemed like the most perfect fit, and it made me really happy to think that she was going to be the mother of my children.
5.) What is the most beautiful thing about your partner?
A: His heart.
T: Amanat’s smile.
6.) What was it like to buy an engagement ring?
T: It wasn’t as tough as I had expected it to be. Amanat and I had gone ring shopping earlier to get a better idea of what designs she liked and what type of setting she would want. After that brief time, I knew exactly what she wanted. From then, I spent money months doing research on the right clarity and color, and I worked with Anar to find the perfect design for us. It was a really fun and educational process!
7.) How did you propose?
T: I organized a scavenger hunt that gave her clues that sent her to various locations around her hometown. Each spot represented a different memory that we shared throughout our relationship, eventually leading to the spot we first met at oh so many years ago at that high school dance.
When she arrived at the final location, there was a large bouquet of balloons lifting a scrapbook (inspired by Disney Pixar’s “Up”) that held all our memories over the past several years. I then gave my spiel and got on one knee!
We then had a drive-by celebration with our family and friends, followed by a small dinner with our immediate family.
8.) What's one lesson you have learned in being in a loving and committed relationship that you would like to share with others?
T: When there’s a will, there’s a way. No matter what challenges you may face, if you both want to make it work, you will.
A: Don’t bother your man during playoff SZN.
9.) What are you both looking forward to as a soon to be newlywed couple?
Finally being in the same place…forever!