Dear Rashmi,

You came into my life and made me happy and self-aware. I had never imagined that I would like someone so much that I would interview her on the second day and move-in together in two months. I had heard that it happens with people, but I didn't think I would have such good chemistry with anyone. When I go back and think, I realize that I knew that this was going to work - call it crazy optimism. You knew it too - You cancelled your Delhi plan and came back to Mumbai based on a hunch. I am grateful to you for trusting and believing in us. You do have a lot of optimism, contrary to what you say. Our love would not have been possible without it.

I have zero insecurities about you leaving me. I know that you will never leave me. I remember that you once told me that one of your fears is that I will leave you. Let me promise you today that I won't you leave you ever. I will scold you and inspire you when need be, but I won't leave you ever, even if you fail in doing some work. I made a lot of mistakes. But instead of leaving me for it, you made sure that I understand what I did wrong even though explaining that was difficult for you. I did understand it after a long time and I changed. I am still not very self-aware now, but I am much better than before. Your impeccable logic coupled with your high morality and empathy saved us.

Our love has matured now. We have moved on from talking about our past to talking more about our future. It makes me so happy that we are going to get married. I previously used to think as to why people marry, why get into a legal agreement. I now realize that it's not about the legal agreement but a commitment to live as one till the end of life. We have crossed a lot of hurdles - resolving our past, moving in together, fighting about petty issues (which was basically adjusting to each other's stupidities), telling my family and getting them onboard, telling your family and getting them onboard as much as we could, moving to Singapore, planning for marriage and kids - And we did these in less than one and a half year. While doing these, we got physically separated. I had planned to not be apart for more than two months, but things didn't go according to plan. I am sorry for it. From now on, I will make sure that we travel together as much as possible. Inspite of this, we have come very far from Delhi to Mumbai to Bangalore to Singapore. We are not very far from making our dreams of living in a good place doing good work with a healthy family a reality. There will be difficulties ahead too, but with you by my side, we can make this world a better and happy place.

You are the most perfect human I have ever met. Don't be afraid to shine. Happy Birthday!

Your loving 🐼,

Mohit