The Engagement: Of families and friends

After wrapping up my cumulative year of M3 into the two neat little packages of USMLE Step 2 CK and CS in the first 2 weeks of June 2016, I was able to focus on the latter half that my parents had been planning for months: a formal engagement party for myself and Amanda held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The party served as a festive backdrop through which Amanda was introduced to my many relatives who live across the US who I do not see frequently. Amanda’s family also came in full force and they were able to get a sense of the larger picture of who my parents are.

 

In was a resplendent day, with introductions, family, friends, and feasting. I would be doing a disservice if I did not mention the efforts of my mother and her friends in preparation of the desserts and other appetizers: kulfi, penda, idli, sambhar, Mexican mules. Amanda and I also enjoyed a night out with the cousins in the rambunctious red stick.

The event was held at my house for much of the ceremonial portions and then the reception was at India’s Restaurant. It was an event that I will always remember, and it evoked feelings I will always hold close. The love I felt that day was immense, and, in retrospect, it has always been there. It may take such an event for those emotions to come to the surface, but once recognized they endure.

 

The Proposal

After much waiting and anticipation, I asked probably the most important question in my life (thus far) to the woman I love a few weeks ago. The answer was a resounding yes. After much thought and deliberation as how to actually propose, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to (1) surprise her, (2) make it a special moment between the two of us, and (3) make it emphatic.

I think I accomplished all three of these things in my approach. I did it on a Friday, with Amanda expecting me around 8pm. I drove up 3 hours early, set up champagne at the post-proposal restaurant, and set up 2 bunches of 36-inch sparklers on either side of the stairway leading up to her house. After confirming her location with a trusted third party none other than her roommate, Aleah, I wait for the sun to set. The staircase shimmering, I ran up the stairs, ran back down, and watched as she stepped through with elation as she realized what was taking place.

Just the two of us in that brisk February air, the low blaze of the fireworks, I knelt down and asked her.

Future wife

What followed was a great weekend. We spent some time with her friends and enjoyed a romantic dinner at Lot 2 later that evening. The following day, we knocked out some work in the morning, went to the gym, and got Chipotle and relaxed. On Valentine’s we checked out the Joslyn art museum.

Dinner and Ring

All in all, as weekends come, pretty much a perfect one.