It all started on a cold January in Seoul, South Korea. Ranjan had smiled at Khushboo a few times before at work, but she hadn't noticed. Now they were both in a foreign country on a business trip, and native English speakers were few.
Seeing his opportunity to befriend Khushboo, Ranjan invited her and her friends to see the sights of the country on Sundays with him, the one free day from work. Khushboo, being the adventurous type, and also the only person not sleeping off large quantities of soju, was the only friend to accept.
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| Ranjan and Khushboo at Olympic Park in Seoul |
And so a great friendship began, with Khushboo and Ranjan riding Seoul public transit near and far, to the mountains, to the markets, and to the temples.
Khushboo and Ranjan's friendship grew stronger and stronger over the next few years until Ranjan finally built up enough courage to propose to Khushboo on Enchanted Rock near Fredricksburg, Texas. Khushboo pretended to be surprised as she accepted a wooden ring that Ranjan had carved.
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| Self portrait right after the engagement |
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| The wooden ring |
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To be fair, Khushboo had requested a wooden ring. Ranjan and Khushboo were formally engaged during Sagaai, a Hindu ceremony held at her family's home the week afterwards.
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| Ranjan, Khushboo, and Mom at Sagaai |
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| The formal ring |
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Now Khushboo and Ranjan are getting married and they couldn't be happier. So happy, in fact, that they're planning it in three short months. Cross your fingers!
