I wanted to write you a love letter, but it’s going to sound more like a thank you note. Maybe it’s both. So, here goes...

I cannot believe it’s been a whole year already. It seems like just last week you flew down from the United States and arrived at my doorstep in the middle of the night. At the same time, it feels like we have been together all our lives. It’s perhaps because you make time seem meaningless. Thank you for everything you have done for me — and thank you for helping me evolve into the person I am today.

Like most people, I had a checklist that one had to check if I’d ever had to consider dating them. A few of those centered around basic human decency, a few around the kind of person I want to travel with, a few around the principles and values I’d want them to have, a few were about the kind of relationship I wanted, and a few were about the kind of hobbies they have. Most important of all — they SHOULD appreciate all kinds of food the way I do, which sounds silly but it was important to me. That was in fact a deal-breaker. Obviously, I was told by people that I was asking for too much, that I’m very demanding, this would scare people away, and that my check-list too long.

But, the way I saw it, in life, there are too many mediocre things; I would never let love be one of them. Love madly; love deeply. Much before we started dating, I’d tell myself that if I ever fell in love it would be worth it.

I looked far and wide for this perfect man. Parents and friends introduced me to men and I tried my luck on my own too. But, 3 years later, I still hadn’t found THE ONE. I was beginning to think maybe the ‘people’ might be right after all. But, I still held on to not settling for anything mediocre.

Little did I realize, along the way you and I were becoming the best of friends. You and I were there for each other, through thick and thin. We shared stories about our unfortunate dating lives. We turned up when the other one was having a bad day. We became each other’s comfort. We hung out on weekends — got drunk, ate loads of food, and shared stories from work, life, and everything in between. You were with me through difficult and unforeseen circumstances. If it weren’t for you, I might have crumbled under that kind of load. Little did I realize we were building a solid foundation for what we now have.

Then one day, after you left the country, it just clicked. But I thought, what if we decide to date and it doesn't work out, then the little voice said — oh, but darling, what if it does! And that made all the difference.

With that, you went from being my close friend to partner, soulmate, companion — my world. If I have made one right decision, it would be you. Every single day. Now, I cannot imagine my world without you inside of it. You were there all along, checking everything off my checklist and I just didn’t see it. You know what they say, sometimes love is just around the corner and you just have to find it. That was you. You and I are magic.

We weathered the lock-down — a major part of our early relationship. It was truly a ‘Love in the Time of Cholera (Corona)’ kind of story. I want to believe that if anything, these times actually accelerated and strengthened our relationship twofold.

What makes us, us —

1. We prioritize happiness and freedom above all. You once said, if either of us is unhappy with something, that leaves neither of us happy.
2. We can count on each other any time of the day or night — if we are having a bad day, feeling really sick, feeling a little sick, mentally exhausted, dealing with toxic surroundings, etc.
3. We give ourselves space to call out each other’s bullshit. That is so undervalued.
4. We bring out the best in each other. We are happier with each other than away.
5. We inspire each other to become a better version of ourselves, each passing day. Hell, our parents are so happy and proud of the people we are becoming.
6. You inspired me to start my own company. Something I never had the courage to do on my own, but you are with me every step of the way.
7. My heart skips a beat each time you flash that beautiful smile at me.
8. Oh and I love that you and I cook for each other. You make eggs for me every morning. I love that.
9. You do the dishes because I hate doing it. You’re such a blessing.
10. We can be ourselves with each other. All the laughter, tears, frustration, pain, disappointments, hurt, farts, childlike antics.
11. I love the way you drown me in kisses every night before we say goodnight.
12. I love that we can just hang out in silence, read books, gaze into each other’s eyes, for hours on end.
13. I love how much I begin to miss you, even if you’re in the other room.

I guess what I’m trying to say is — I cannot believe you are mine. I love you.

Happy one-year anniversary, love. Forever to go.