In life, unexpected events have a knack for shaking up our routines and testing the strength of our relationships. Sometimes, it’s a sudden job loss or a health scare. This time, for my partner, Raashi it was both. Unexpected layoffs at her company on a random Tuesday, and a broken leg from a car accident the following day, that turned our world upside down.

When Raashi broke her ankle in that accident, it wasn’t just her bones that fractured; our daily lives were shattered too. Suddenly, I found myself thrust into the role of primary caretaker, navigating a maze of doctor’s appointments, medication schedules, and soon to come physical therapy sessions. The emotional toll was immense as we grappled with fear, frustration, and uncertainty about the future. For the longest time, I was certain that while she’s in bed rest, the best thing for me to do is be a “potato” as well to give her company.

In those early days, it felt like we were teetering on the edge of a precipice, unsure of what strain this change would have on our relationship. Not feeling the physical pain that she was going through, I often denied her truth. She was being strong and I tried to push her to be strong(er) not giving the space that heeling needs. I just wanted her to get strong, up and running as soon as possible so we could continue with our life.

We had to learn to communicate in new ways, to lean on each other for support, and I had to accept help from our families when pride whispered (very quickly) that I should take care of her all alone.

Life as we knew it came to a screeching halt. Plans for travel and adventure were replaced with canceled reservations and nights spent at home, tending to Raashi’s needs. It was a stark reminder that love isn’t just about the grand gestures; it’s about showing up when the going gets tough, even if it means sacrificing our own desires in the process. I believed that, but didn’t think I had experienced it to this extent before. Honestly, I have so much more empathy and respect for caretakers now. Parents who take care of their parents with love and get little in return. So so so much more respect for my Ma and Mother in Law now.

But amidst the chaos and the challenges, something remarkable happened. Our love, though tested, proved to be resilient. It wasn’t always easy, and there were moments when we stumbled and faltered. Yet, through it all, we remained committed to each other, determined to weather the storm together.

We learned valuable lessons along the way—lessons about patience, compassion, and the true meaning of partnership. Not friendship, not any other relationship but Partnership. We discovered the power of vulnerability, of allowing ourselves to be seen in our weakest moments and finding strength in each other’s embrace.

As the weeks turn into months, Raashi’s leg slowly heals, but the scars left behind serve as a reminder of everything we had overcome together. 

Along with the flowers this spring, our relationship is blossoming again from the crucible of adversity stronger than ever, forged in the fire of shared struggle and unwavering love. And for all the love and support from our family and friends, we are grateful. Without your love, I am not sure how we would have navigated this time. Thank you for showing up again and again, spending your time chatting with us, playing games and just offering to help. I am in your debt.

So, can a broken leg break a relationship? In our case, it didn’t. It probably fractured it but with the love cast upon it, we are healing slowly with time. The accident became the catalyst for a deeper, more profound connection—one that transcended the boundaries of pain and adversity. It reminded us (harshly) that love isn’t about avoiding hardships but about facing them head-on, hand in hand, knowing that together, we can overcome anything, we can live anything.

Written with lots of love for my boo – Raashi

Did you know that tradition dictates that women can propose to men on Feb 29th? 

I’m happy to see this tradition has happily been updated; nowadays partners of all kinds propose to each other simply when they are ready to take a “leap” of faith – Leap Year or not 😉

Raashi and I have a leap-year tradition as well. I call it “leap leap”. Every 29th of February, I write her a letter. In this letter – along with some of my own original poetry – I offer her 4 “wishes”, 1 of which she can claim within the next 4 years and I promise to fulfill it with no objections or make it happen somehow. The wishes I usually list are usually nothing small, nor too impossible – things that definitely require some time, effort, and/or money, things that usually wouldn’t happen otherwise. The list can include things like moving to a different state/country, traveling for months internationally, or growing the R/A family. 

Some of these are personally very bold commitments for me. But I think of these wishes as investments in my long-term relationship with Raashi. Just as public companies may offer employees stocks – which vest after 4 years – to provide lucrative compensation to hire and retain employees, I use these wishes to retain and grow our R/A love. We also have regular (and random) bonus refreshers, to keep things spicy and interesting in our relationship.

Do you have a leap-year tradition in your relationship? Hit reply and let us know. We’d love to hear more about your traditions.