A Chance Meeting and Long-Distance Beginnings
Radhika and me on our first date
Our story began on a note of pure serendipity. Radhika and I met through a mutual friend in the summer of 2013. What’s astonishing to us both is that our friend had invited me to the event specifically to meet someone else I was interested in, but fate had other plans. That woman had already left by the time I arrived, and I was introduced to Radhika instead. Little did I know she would become the love of my life, someone I can’t imagine being without even for a moment today.
We hit it off instantly, bonding over shared interests, our mutual love for food and travel, and similar family backgrounds. Our first text conversation turned into a nonstop 48-hour marathon. It wasn’t long before we took a leap of faith and made our relationship official. Unlike my previous relationships, I always felt a deep sense of calm and composure around Radhika. I credit her with bringing stability to my life; she credits me with drawing out her extroverted side. Though our personalities differ, they complement each other perfectly.
For the first two years, our relationship thrived on WhatsApp chats, nightly phone calls, weekend Skype sessions, and meetings during vacations. This changed in 2015 when I returned to India.
My IBD Diagnosis
The circumstances, however, were far from ideal. My IBD diagnosis hit us both like a shockwave. It overwhelmed me physically and mentally, and Radhika felt confused and helpless. She wanted to support me through this low point, but I unintentionally shut her out, creating distance in our once-close bond for the first time.
We decided to take a break to give each other space and reflect. Even so, Radhika checked in on my health regularly, asking about doctor visits, my diet, medications, and overall well-being. Looking back, I’m deeply grateful; she didn’t have to care, but she did. Having battled acute asthma since childhood and still struggling with it, it was easier for her to empathize with suffering, as she had experienced it first-hand.
Overcoming Challenges Together
My health improved, and I achieved remission. My mindset stabilized too, and we made up for lost time. We realized we were missing something incredible. Being together just felt right. That break was the first and last time we ever doubted our relationship; our bond has only strengthened since.
Over the next couple of years, we traveled together, built our individual businesses, enjoyed good food within my dietary limits, connected with each other’s friends and families, and took the next step in 2019. Our families met, and we exchanged rings on February 24.
Trials of Marriage and A Pandemic
Our wedding
Our wedding was set for December, but fate struck again: Radhika broke her foot, and I had a major IBD flare-up. We put on brave faces, making the wedding the big Bengali dream it was meant to be. Radhika was stunning in her colorful ethnic outfits, and though I couldn’t eat the feast, I made up for it with dance moves and traditional attire.
The honeymoon, however, turned into a disaster. My flare-up peaked, forcing us to cut it short and return home for treatment. The following year tested us like never before. My post-wedding health struggles – sleepless nights, rapid weight loss, bland diets, and frequent emotional breakdowns – worried Radhika constantly. She hadn’t seen this level of suffering up close and was also adjusting to a new household and routine.
Then, in early 2020, COVID-19 hit. My respect for her grew immensely. Despite her own challenges, she lived our vows – “in sickness and in health.” She joined every doctor’s visit, memorized my meds, researched my diet, became my therapist during lows, and managed her asthma, all while adapting to life changes.
Building a Lasting Life Together
Us with our dog babies
Six years into our marriage, we have two beautiful dog babies and a home we built together. My IBD has been in remission for five years, but even if it returns, I won’t face it alone. Radhika and I are partners in everything: gym buddies, travel companions, best friends, gossip duo, concert-goers, movie dates, book lovers, and eternal sweethearts.
She experiments with healthy recipes for me; I keep an extra inhaler by the bed and dust her side extra clean to avoid her sneezes. Our love wasn’t built just on good times; it’s rooted in support, faith, and a promise to face all odds together.
To fellow IBD warriors hesitant about relationships, fearing partners won’t understand: I share our story and ask, “but what if they do?” You won’t know unless you try.
Wishing you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day and a love as awesome, complete, and fulfilling as ours.