In the midst of a world turned upside down, our paths crossed in a most unconventional manner — a Pilates studio in St Peters. Repurposed as a startup meeting space for the day, it was Blair's first day at his new company, a place where Sandya had already laid roots as one of its earliest pioneers. Little did we know, this chance meeting amidst the chaos would be the beginning of our incredible journey together.
Our story is one of gradual steps. A slow and memorable burn with the cautious dance of two colleagues navigating the waters of a budding romance. From impromptu meet-ups to bringing our beloved Layla to the office on quiet weekends, every moment seemed to weave us closer. A particular Christmas party left us both wondering if sparks had flown... they hadn't, but it sparked something even more significant. Our early "dates" were marked by a conscious effort to separate our blossoming relationship from our professional ties, a challenge given our intertwined work lives.
One of our most memorable early chapters unfolded on a work trip to London. It was during this time that Blair met Sandya's British family (before her parents), albeit under less than ideal circumstances. We both managed to catch Covid. Despite the situation, it was a bonding experience, solidified further by the strategic placement of our hotel rooms courtesy of our friend, Pierre-Luigi. This trip marked the beginning of an eight-month-long effort to keep our work and personal life distinct, a testament to the depth of our connection.