We first met 8 years ago during Labor Day Weekend in Gainesville, FL during the UF-UMiami Rivalry Game weekend. Little would we know how that weekend would shape and change the rest of our lives. 

From Aakash's Perspective: When I first met Shivana, I was a little intimidated I have to admit. She was classy, smart, social, and so considerate of others. In fact, I can recall her asking my group of friends what we all were looking for so she could play matchmaker. The question found it's way to me and so I said "I'm not too picky, as long as its not a high maintenance girl". One look at her face and I realized I'd come to regret that answer as she responded, "uh huh and what's so wrong with a high maintenance girl?" Well as luck would have it, I'd realize she was a keeper and the perfect match for me. Heck she was the only girl who caused me to go over the limit on my cell phone minutes and text messaging plan.  

From Shivana's Perspective: If you ask Aakash how we met, he would say at a gas station, but don't believe him. I - decided to visit Gainesville that weekend for my cousin's 21st birthday. When I drove into Gainesville, I got lost and  my cousin's roommate failed to give me good directions. After about 10 minutes of driving up and down the same street, Aakash came on the phone to my rescue. He finally realized where I was and then directed me to wait at an Exxon gas station.  He took me to the event and was a gracious host - introducing me to his friends and making me feel welcomed. I can recall thinking he was so handsome, driven, intelligent, and kind. We had an instant connection and could talk for hours at a time.

Although we felt we were opposites, we soon came to realize we were similar in our shared values of family, friendship, hard-work, and perseverance. Our love story has gone through many moments of great joy and some tough times we had to endure. But through it all we had each other. No matter how many miles apart we were, we always found a way to stay connected. We are extremely lucky to have found each other.