This weekend of love was made complete by the official engagement of Vedant “V” Misra, my soon-to-be-brother, and my twinie-pants, Hema Munchkin Bajaj.

It’s been a long time coming but we knew, early on, that Vedant was destined to be a part of our clan.

It all started with a Whatsapp chat. (Well, it all started with Valentines Day circa 2006? 2007? I lost count). But the proposal details (at least on our end) started with a Whatsapp chat. Vedant was brilliant and covered up his tracks every step of the way. For starters, he named the group chat, “India Chat.” The original chat – with the siblings and no moms/dads – was called “Game of Thrones.” Because, really, does anyone want to read anything Game of Thrones related?

He also predicted any which way the surprise could be ruined and then found ways to prevent it from happening. For example, his advice to us was: Just don’t talk to Hema. (This is clearly because we have a hard time keeping things from the family so it was probably easier to cut off all communication).

Vedant and Tash (our honorary sister) planned out our outfits and made sure to communicate the details with everyone so we were all ready and decked out in our navy blue attire to surprise Hema on Saturday night.

Earlier that morning, Hema and V jumped out of a plane. V landed first. Tash handed him the ring. Hema landed a few minutes after. Vedant gets down on one knee. Cue Bollywood music and tears and smiles and happiness.

Hema then spent the following two hours calling every single member of the family to fill them in on the big news. (Little did she know that we already knew. Not about the skydiving part. But, you know, the part about V taking the plunge. Figuratively.)

She also had no idea that we were all together. Obviously. I pretended I was on my way to meet them after Jen’s wedding. Dad pretended he was in between hospitals making his rounds. Mom pretended she was in the car with Nanima on the way to a movie. When, in reality, we were all together in the car. Lying our faces off.

We even got approval from Tash that our lying skills were on point.

Once we all got ready, we made our way to the Monterey Plaza Hotel and eagerly awaited their arrival. We kept ourselves busy with drinks, appetizers, and lots and lots of pictures.

Around 7PM, they finally made their way down to the room.

And, boy oh boy, was she surprised.

It was SO GOOD. Beyond good.

It is ridiculously hard to pull off surprises in this family. But it was so beautifully organized and implemented. I legitimately feel so proud to know V. And get to call him my brother.

Hema was pretty much in shock for the rest of the night. We were there until 11PM eating, chatting, and dancing the night away.

Tash and V put together a slideshow of pictures and videos from earlier in the day and we all got a little peek into their private, intimate proposal.

It was everything I could have ever imagined for my Twin.

An experience she has been wanting to do for so long. Coupled with a surprise of family members to end the memorable day.

V and Hemie – I feel so lucky to call you both my family and feel so excited for this next chapter in your life. I love you with all of my insides.

CONGRATULATIONS!