Happy Birthday Shona!

Dear Anushree,

Every day without you here reminds me just how much you mean to me. Long distance has never been our forte, but the calls with you have genuinely become the highlight of my days. Hearing your voice brings warmth to even the loneliest moments, and I'm reminded again and again just how lucky I am to love someone who makes being apart so challenging.

Warm

every day memories like this are the ones I miss the most. it's hard to beat watching the sunset with you

This is the first time in years that I won't be by your side around your birthday, and it aches more than I thought it could. But as you remind me—it's not about the date, it's about the moments we share together. I can't wait until you're back in April to properly celebrate you, with endless kisses, delicious meals, and all the warmth and joy you deserve

Pod Birthday

the first birthday with full freedom! looking back, we were so naive and full of love <3

I know things have felt heavy lately. I want you to know you're not alone in that—I feel it too. Yet every conversation we have, every laugh shared across the distance, makes it a bit easier to handle. You've always had this incredible way of brightening my days, even from thousands of miles away.

Goofy

you never fail to make me smile shona :-)

In the meantime, I've sent you a few little pieces of home to keep me close. A Google Home to help you wake up gently and show you our favorite memories together—I set mine up with our pictures, and it's been such a comforting presence when I miss you most. And because I couldn't bear the thought of your phone acting up during our calls, I got you a new phone too! No more getting locked out at the worst possible moments :-)

And because I know how deeply you've been reflecting on the world, Trump, politics, and how to best make your mark in the time and place where it matters, I wanted to support you in my own small way. I've built you a personal website, a digital platform designed in your style—a space where your thoughts, work, and creativity can shine and inspire others, like you inspire me.

I miss you deeply, shona. Counting down the days until you're in my arms again <3

Love,
Raunak