I saw you at my favorite place in the world — the squat rack at LA Fitness in South Plainfield.

I remember the colorful leggings, that smile, and a pull that nearly ruined my workout.

Someone asked you how many sets you had left. I didn’t hear your answer then, but knowing you now, it had to have been: “a billion.”

We talked for a bit that day, and you were so fun to be around. You told me you had just come back from a wedding — and I was glad it wasn’t yours.

You thought I asked you to a pool party. I didn’t. And I’ll deny it until the end of time. But I wish I had, I would’ve saved you months of being the girl who played hard-to-get.

It’s fine. Maybe that’s what it took. Because the kind of girl who looks better every time I see her — the kind of girl who makes me stop in my tracks mid-workout — deserved some effort.

The next time I saw you, it was evening. You looked incredible, finishing up the leg press. You hated working out at that time of day, and you never came back — even though your favorite person was there.

Thank baby Jesus I started coming in the mornings a few months later. Because damn, you looked like a snack more and more every time. Sometimes grape soda. Sometimes cherry limeade. Always irresistible.

I had to get to know you.

I got your number. You asked me how many Bhumis I knew. I gave a douchebag answer. What I should have said was: “I only need to know one.”

And that’s the truth. Knowing you has been nothing short of a gift.

You’re a hidden gem, and I uncover pieces of you every day.

The same girl who keeps complaining and says she’s “over it” is the same girl who grinds out a billion sets and a billion reps. The same girl who pushes herself to work and shows up every day to be the best nurse she can possibly be.

Behind the RBF is one of the softest people I’ve ever met. Behind the anxious exterior is a fucking warrior.

You say you’re socially awkward — but you’re also one of the best listeners (and yappers) in the world.

Your openness, your loyalty, your humility — they make me fall deeper in love with you every single day.

You asked me once, “what else is there to know about me?” Well, girl, I’m just getting started. I’m fucking passionate about you, and I’m not stopping until you’re all mine.

So let go. Grab my hand. Be free. You have no reason to hold back. Because if you could see yourself through my eyes, you’d already know you’re perfect.

Happy Birthday, Bhumi.

P.S. I’m looking forward to going to the zoo with you. The animals will be fun, but the truth is — I’m scared — I’m bringing the wildest one with me. She may act shy, but her passion is known to devour at the slightest touch.