Tanvi

Do you remember that random LinkedIn message in March 2023? You were just asking about JPMorgan's work culture, and I had no idea that a simple reply would change my entire life.

When I first saw you walking out of that elevator at ETV campus, wearing that red and gray dress, my heart skipped a beat. You looked so stunning. We were so awkward that day, you speaking Hindi and me replying in English, somehow trying to make conversation work over coffee in front of Flipkart campus. But even then, I knew there was something special about you.

Those early days of us meeting every weekend, me showing you around Bangalore, MG Road, Church Street, UB City. I would count the days until I could see you again. And when your internship was ending and you were about to leave for Delhi, I knew I had to tell you how I felt. That letter I slipped into your bag with those chocolates was the scariest thing I had ever done. But you said yes.

That first kiss in my car, rain pouring outside, windows all steamed up. I still get butterflies thinking about it.

When you told me about losing your dad, something changed in me. I made a silent promise to myself that day. I would never let you feel that void again. I would give you all the happiness, all the love, all the little things you missed out on. That is why I can never say no to you. Because when I look at you, I see that little girl who deserves the world. You will always be my little kiddo, and I will always be there to take care of you.

From our first trip to North Goa, where you planned everything because I was being lazy, to almost drowning together at Butterfly Beach in South Goa (and somehow laughing about it later), to you jumping back in the water in Varkala even after your scuba mask came off. Every moment with you has been an adventure.

Moving in together, decorating our little home, those late night Swish orders, our momo dates in Indiranagar, riding on my scooty through the city, watching 20+ movies together at Bellandur Centro mall. These simple things mean everything to me because I get to do them with you.

Seeing you at my sister's wedding in that yellow KanchiPuram saree I got you, I fell in love with you all over again. And Thailand? Our first international trip together was just the beginning. There are so many more adventures waiting for us.

You are my caring soul who always knows when I am hungry, angry, or just lost in my head. You are my chef who makes the best mushroom cheese masala and paneer rolls. You are my romantic novel reader who sees us in every love story. You are my collector of cute squishy toys. You are my everything.

Happy 24th birthday, my love. Here is to many more years of us.

Forever and always yours