How we started talking
From Instagram 'wow' to 'let's try'
I remember I'd seen you on Instagram and I thought wow this girl is so beautiful and pretty and there's no way she'd like me — but fuck it, let's try.
How we met
Friends first, vibes immaculate
I realised you really were different when we met the first time as friends. We just clicked — the conversation flowed, the vibes were immaculate.
Our first beers / cigarettes together
Messy hair, honest talks
I still remember thinking, ‘omg I hope she doesn't think I'm a creep; I hope she's okay with this.’ It turned out so well — the nasha that one beer gave me can never be put in words.
Long distance: Mumbai ↔ Goa
Tickets, platforms, hugs that fix everything
I realised you really wanted this to work when you put all the effort into making me comfortable with the idea of a long-distance relationship. You made me feel so welcome and important to your whole college life, apartments and friends. Although it was tough, we both travelled to meet each other and it kept us strong ❤️.
Himachal Pradesh trip
Cold hands, warm hearts, mountains that felt like home
The pinnacle of our journeys together. The Himachal Pradesh trip was your idea — you found it, you convinced me, paid for me, took me — and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The entire thing feels like a dream now. Thank you.
Our fights
Choosing each other, even on hard days
Probably our biggest weakness and strength is our fights. I know we have lots of them; we try to have fewer; and they’re not easy on either of us — but each one shows us how much we mean to each other, and it's a privilege to matter this much to you ❤️. I will also actively not fight with you as I've said many times — but when I do, thank you for having patience and understanding with me. It's usually from a place of love (and, yes, sometimes I'm just human and jealous 😂).
A birthday note
Dear Ishani, on your day…
Finally, I'd like to wish you a very, very happy birthday and tell you that I love you more than anything in this world. You're irreplaceable and no one makes me as happy as you — or drives me as crazy — as you do. But I choose you and us, every day, for as long as it takes. I know I have my shortfalls, but I'm trying my best to make it up to you, one small gesture at a time, because you deserve this and more — you're that special, not just to me, but in reality. I love you, Ishani Palwankar. I don't express how deeply very often — only so that tum zyada uddo nahi — but even if you do, it's fine. I love you as you are, forever. ❤️😚
