Have you ever noticed how funny it is when you're looking for something everywhere, only to discover it was right in front of you the whole time?

Like searching the entire house for your glasses. Checking every room, retracing your steps, growing more frustrated by the minute, only to scratch your head and realize they've been sitting on your face all along…

Well... this story is just like that.

Summer 2006

The Chin community was hosting CIVU in Battle Creek, MI. I walked into the boys' bathroom, and I saw this kid, hip hop style clothing, looking in the mirror and putting a Band-Aid on his face. I thought it was funny and cool, so I joked and said something along the lines:

“So we got the Chin Nelly with us.”

We laughed.

“My name is Chris or Bikbik, what’s yours?”

“Leon or Lian Lian”

We clicked.

Little did I know that this stranger I met in the boys' bathroom would one day become my friend, my best friend, and soon-to-be my brother-in-law.

Summer 2008

Years have passed. Leon and I still hung out and talked with each other, even though he lived in Indianapolis and I lived in Battle Creek. One day, we both traveled to Maryland for the Chin Youth Organization. It was on this summer day that I was outside by myself, and I saw this girl.

“Hi, I’m Chris or Bikbik, what’s yours?”

“Ahniang”

We chatted for a bit, and nothing else. She was kind and generous. Soft-spoken with a big smile on her face. Full of life.

Later on that weekend.

“Bro, did you find any cute girls?” - Leon

“There were a few, but I did talk to a girl named Ahniang” - Me

“Chill bro, that’s my little sister” - Leon

“Never mind then… so anyways there’s this other girl…” - Me

I didn’t realize Ahniang was his little sister, so that’s off-limits in my book. CYO was about to come to an end, and I ran into Ahniang once again. We chatted for a bit, exchanged numbers, and parted ways as friends.

2009 to 2010

During this time, Ahniang and I talked as friends. She had a very caring personality, and I liked that about her. Leon and Ahniang would sometimes visit Battle Creek, and we would hang out with our friends. At times, when I visited Indy, I would see Leon and accidentally run into Ahniang at their house or their store. Sometimes Ahniang and I would see each other at some Chin community events to hang out.

One summer day, Ahniang had come back from the hospital. I visited her to see if everything was okay. I visited her house, talked with her family, and checked in with her. Everything was good, and as I left, I gave her a big hug and walked out the door.

Let me tell you, she is such a great friend that one day, she gave me a very unique present, a present that will be remembered for the next 15 years. She gave me custom-made boxers with the writing “I ❤️U” on them. This was quite an interesting gift, and yet I wore it. Sometimes, I would walk around the house with nothing but the boxers on.

“Who gave you those boxers?” - Mom

“A friend named Ahniang, she’s from Indy” - Me

“Is she your girlfriend? - Mom

“No, she’s just a friend, and it’s just a gift, Mom” - Me

“Okay….” - Mom

During these past years, I knew she liked me, but out of respect for Leon, I didn’t make any advances towards her. I never told her that I liked her, but I think she knew that I wasn’t going to come forth, so she slowly stopped talking back to me.

High School was about to come to an end as I started my new life as a college kid. Everyone had different paths in their lives, so we all said our goodbyes to each other and became somewhat distant, yet still connected through a new thing called social media.

College

Remember those boxers? Yeah, so that created some unwanted fights. So one day, I’m casually walking around my apartment with just the boxers on.

“Who gave you those boxers?” - Ex

“It’s from a friend” - Me

“Are you gay?” - Ex

“No, it’s from a girl” - Me

“What kind of girl, that is just a friend, gives another man boxers with those words?” - Ex

“A good friend?” - Me

“Do you still talk to her?” - Ex

“Not since high school” - Me

“You’re pissing me off. Throw them away, and don’t bring it up ever again.” - Ex

…

“Who are you talking to? Is it that girl who gave you the boxers?” - Ex

…

“I bet you’re thinking about the boxers girl” - Ex

…

“I can’t believe you even wore those boxers again” - Ex

…

That relationship ended because of those boxers. GG

2015-2018

College life is over, and since there was no more adventure left for me in Michigan, I moved to Indianapolis. I reconnected with Leon, and we would try to hang out from time to time. It was difficult, as he had become a father, an amazing one, and I was busy working. One day, I ran into Ahniang at a certain Chin community event. I approached her.

“Hey you!” - Me

“Hey there, how’s life?” - Ahniang

“It’s going ok, you?” - Me

“Life is good, I’ve been busy with businesses.” - Ahniang

“That’s awesome, and I wish you the best of luck.” - Me

That was the last interaction I had with Ahniang. She looked good, acted more mature, and was still just as kind-hearted as when we met when we were younger.

2019-2025

I grew restless, as there was nothing here in Indiana for me, and I wanted a new adventure. During this time, Duke (younger brother) was finishing up his time in the Navy, and we both decided to move to Oregon with CJ.

Oregon was filled with adventures, new friends, and events took place. Life was going well until COVID happened, and suddenly… life was at a standstill. So I decided to join the Army and embark on another adventure.

After my first deployment in the Middle East, I came back to visit Indy for a few weeks to see family and met up with Leon to catch up. We discussed the changes in Indianapolis and our lives, and then I went back to Oregon.

After spending several years in Oregon, Duke and I agreed that Oregon no longer was servicing it’s purpose when we were so far away from our family, so we decided to make the move back to Indiana.

In 2024, the Army asked me to go on another deployment in 2025, and I said yes. During this time, Duke and CJ sold the house and moved back to Indiana with everything, and I went on another deployment in the Middle East.

2026

It’s April, my second deployment is over, the worst one I’ve been to. I’m just thankful that I got a good buddy with me (Kevin). I’m back in Indy with the family. I didn’t want to connect with anyone. All I wanted was to go to the gym, pull myself out of this mental state, and stay away from everyone else except for family members. I put all my gear, clothes, and everything in the storage and kept only the essentials: hoodies, sweatpants, and gym clothes.

“You know, you’re getting older, and I want grandkids” - Mom

“No, you already have 9 of them” - Me

“Yes, but from you” - Mom

“No, there is no one here. I just want to buy a house and live my life peacefully until the end of time.” - Me

August 25th

After months of waiting for the right house, we finally purchased a house near my parents. We had to obtain proper documentation from the courthouse located downtown in Indy. While we were driving in the car, a conversation started:

“You need to look for a girl” - Mom

“No, there is no one here for me. I’m not going to waste my time dating random people.” - Me

“What about your old friend Ahniang?” - Minge (sister)

“I haven’t spoken to her in years; she’s probably married.”

“Well, she is not married” - Minge

“Look, if it happens, it happens, but for now I want to lay low from everyone, and I don’t want anyone to know that I’m here in Indy” - Me

“Ok, whatever you say” - Minge

Unknowingly, Minge and the rest of the family are posting pictures of me on their Facebook. My Facebook account had been deactivated for years, so I had no clue.

As I entered the courthouse and walked down the hallway. We ran into some familiar faces. I remembered Leon’s mom and this girl next to her; she looked different, a lot different. But I knew instantly that it was Ahniang. I was awed by her presence. I suddenly realized I was wearing my gym clothes and was hoping she didn’t recognize me.

“Chris! How are you? It’s me, Ahniang!” - Ahniang

I paused and wondered how she still remembered me after all these years, even with a beard and a hat on.

“Ahniang… I’m good, it’s good to see you again,” - Me

We talked for a bit, and I overheard our moms talking in the background.

“She’s not married yet; she’s looking around” - her mom

“Bikbik isn’t married yet either; he’s looking around” - my mom

After eavesdropping on their conversation, I thought maybe I should ask her to hang out and catch up. So I asked for her number, but she looked confused, so I just asked for her Instagram and parted ways.

“So, what do you think about Ahniang?” - Minge

“She’s cute and a lot different from when I first met her, but calm down, sister; if it happens, it happens” - Me

“She gave you the boxers that you keep wearing and walking around the house with” - Mom

“Mom, calm down. I don’t think she even remembered giving me that.” - Me

After running into Ahniang, I knew my cover was blown, and my plan of lying low in Indy was over. Also, I needed to do something outside of the gym, so I contacted Leon and let him know that I’m back in Indy. This time, we were not so busy with life. Leon introduced me to Victor, and it wasn’t until later down the road that Victor and I both found out we had met each other back in India when we were kids. That’s wild.

Ahniang and I casually sent messages back and forth on Instagram just as friends, and we were trying to set up a time to hang out together. However, we both had conflicting schedules, so it never panned out, and I just let it be. She’s messaging me back though, so there’s probably some interest. Right?

Oct 4

This part of the story will be shared one day; at the right time. But for now, I’ll leave it be. It caused a lot of stress, and forced me to stay in Indiana.

Oct 25

One day, Victor and I were trying to get in touch with Leon to hang out, but he wasn’t responding, so we decided we should visit him at his place. I had never been to his house, so when we arrived and saw one of his cars, a white Range Rover, we thought he was inside the house. We generously let ourselves inside and started yelling nonstop.

“LEONNN!!!” - Victor and me

We yelled multiple times inside the house. Very loudly, by the way.

Unknowingly, around the corner, here comes Leon’s mother and Ahniang walking slowly to the door. They both looked scared and shocked to see two guys in the living room shouting out loud like lunatics.

“Oh, hey Ahniang, I didn’t know you guys were here. I am so sorry if I frightened you and your mom. We are so sorry.” - Me

Wow. What a foolish and embarrassing moment. I wanted to leave right away.

After a few minutes, here comes Leon with his kids, and he is carrying some baby chickens.

“Sup bros, what are you guys doing here?” - Leon

November

As the days passed, Leon and Ahniang went on a vacation to Dubai. Ahniang and I stayed in touch, and she told me that she got some Dubai Chocolate for me. I was happy and said that I would stop by her house one day to pick it up…. I never did.

One day, she told me she was craving pho and wanted to grab some together. I said “sure thing”….But I never did. My schedule kept getting interrupted with work and projects. It really bummed me out.

“Maybe next time,” I told myself.

November 21

Today is my parents' 50th anniversary party. All of my parents’ friends and family were gathering for their party. I’m sitting casually with Duke and Victor, and the next thing I see is Ahniang walking into the event. She looked stunning. I was surprised, and she grabbed my attention, so I got up and approached her.

“Hey there, didn’t expect you to show up here” - Me

“Of course! We were invited” - Ahniang

“Well, that’s a surprise on my end. How was Dubai?” - Me

We talked for a bit and some more that night, and I asked her about getting some pho together. The event was over, everyone had left, and we were back home to my parents’ house. Then the sisters chatted with me.

“Ahniang is pretty cute; you should ask her on a date and get to know her” - Sisters

“Yes, she is cute and very nice, but I don’t know if she feels the same way” - Me

“Come on, you two used to talk to each other and visit one another.” - Sisters

“Yes, that’s when we were teenagers; we’re adults now. A lot has changed,” - Me

I felt really bad that I kept rescheduling. So later that Saturday night, I worked up the courage and messaged her:

“pho?” - Me

“Sunday 30th?” - Ahniang

“Ok” - Me

The next day, I finished all my work, and I was ready to go.

“Ready to grab some pho?” - Me

“Today? Don’t you mean next Sunday?” - Ahniang

“No, today” - Me

“You sure?” - Ahniang

“Positive” - Me

So I quickly looked at the date from the messages, and it was, sure enough, next Sunday.

“You're right,” - Me

“Boy, do I feel embarrassed.” I thought to myself:

Nov 26

I was busy working and was really distracted.

“Hey, my mom wants to give your parents some homemade lassi drink. What's your mom's phone number and address? - Ahniang

“Here you go” - me

“You sure you gave me the right phone number?” - Ahniang

“Positive” - me

“You sure? Because mom is saying someone is speaking to her in English,” - Ahniang

“You're right, I gave you my old phone number” - Me

I never felt so embarrassed.

Nov 29

I was out running errands and buying house supplies. When I got back home, I saw the white Range Rover in the driveway. I thought to myself.

“Man, why did Leon come out here and visit me without telling me?”

So I walked into the house.

“YO BRO!!!! Why didn’t you let me know that you’re……”

I saw Ahniang and the two moms sitting down talking with each other.

Well, this is a surprise.

“Hi Ahniang….” - Me

“Hi Chris….” - Ahniang

“Hey, Jesus, it’s me again. I know we haven’t spoken in a while, but please, just this one time, save me from my own embarrassment.” - I pray to myself

Nov 30

I finished up work, and it’s evening time. It’s some pho time. I was happy to see Ahniang. We can finally hang out on a late Sunday evening together to catch up.

Unfortunately, the pho restaurant that Ahniang wanted to go to was closed on Sunday, so I randomly picked this one ghetto place instead. It was somewhere out in Pendleton. The evening was cold, and I didn’t have any other warm clothes, so I wore a hoodie, a jacket over it, and sweatpants, and here I see Ahniang wearing this cute outfit. It’s whatever; it’s not like it’s a romantic date. We’re just friends, and we’re catching up with each other. Right?

The night went on, and we casually talked. As we sat down at this table, she had her foot on my foot and was tapping it throughout the night. I wasn’t sure if she was trying to flirt during the meal. Because I didn’t want to cross boundaries with Leon, I didn’t flirt back. I just looked at her as she was very quiet, with a concerned look, and barely ate her pho.

I finished all of my pho; it was decent. She was still quiet, so I decided to talk and ask her questions to get to know her more without flirting back, as she kept tapping my foot. But it seemed she was tired, and after all, it was Sunday night. I was confused as to why she was tapping me on my foot. But it turned out it was just an accident, and she thought my foot was the table.

At the end of the night, I reached for my wallet to pay for our meal, but she wanted to cover it.

I thought to myself: If I let her pay, then I can return the favor next time.

“The next pho meal is on me” - me

Then we parted ways.

“Maybe things have changed after all these years. She used to be very cheerful and happy, but I guess being an adult changes you. I wondered why she could message me on Instagram cheerfully, but in person, she’s quiet. Maybe I’m reading these messages wrong, or I have no clue, and this is a mixed message. I don’t think she likes me like that at all.” - I thought to myself

Dec 1

The next morning, I got a message from Ahniang.

“I forgot to bring you the Dubai Chocolate!” - Ahniang

“It’s okay, next time!” - Me

“This is good; maybe she does like me. Maybe we could eat at that pho restaurant that she wanted,” I thought to myself

It’s December, and I took a lot of personal time off from work and took half of the month off to complete one project: remodel the garage at my new house. Suddenly, I caught the flu for the first time in over five years. I was dead.

Dec 12

I was too sick to do anything, and then I got this message.

“Mom wants to bring you guys some biryani” - Ahniang

“Sure thing, but I got the flu” - Me

I insisted that they keep their distance as I was dying of the flu, along with everyone else in the house. Yet they still came over. I was too sick to hold a conversation, let alone all the medications that I was on didn’t help. It was a rough night. I barely noticed what was happening in the room. But I did know that she looked pretty, and here I am sitting on the couch with a hoodie, sweatpants, a beanie hat, and coughing like a sick man.

Days have passed

Every bit of time that I had after work, I would go to the other house and work on my project with Mom, and she would always talk about Ahniang.

“What do you think about marrying Ahniang?” - Mom

“I mean, she is smart, pretty, confident, and kind. I wouldn’t mind it, but I would need to date her to know that she even likes me.” - Me

“Do you need help talking with Ahniang?” - Mom

“No, I don’t need help, and I don’t know if she even likes me like that.” - Me

“I will help you.” - Mom

“That’s ok, if she sees me as a friend, then it’s just friendship, I don’t think we have anything in common with each other” - Me

“You’re wrong.” - Mom

Dec 21

“They keep coming over and giving us food, and we haven’t given them anything. I don’t like it; we’re going to give them some food and have dinner with them,” - Mom

“It’s okay, we don’t have to” - Me

“No, we’re going to” - Mom

“Fine, you can go” - Me

“I don’t know where they live; take me to their house” - Mom

“FINE!” - Me

So Mom and I visited her place, brought over some steak from Longhorn (Mom’s favorite), and we just chatted for a few hours. I wasn’t feeling sick anymore, and I playfully chatted with Ahniang. She was cheerful and laughing. Maybe she had the flu on the pho night, but I still don’t know if she likes me or not. Either way, I’m happy we’re friends again after all these years. After dinner, we both left their house.

“Bikbik, Ahniang is a really good person; you should be with her” - Mom

“Mom, I don’t know if she feels the same way about me as she did when we were teenagers. I’m not going to risk it, and besides, Leon is my best friend, and that’s his sister. I’m not going to step over boundaries and do that to him.” - Me

“Then talk to him” - Mom

“I will talk to him in person and get his blessing, but he’s not picking up or answering my text right now” - Me

Dec 22

Messages on Instagram.

“Thanks for the steak last night!” - Ahniang

“No problem, I’m working on the house right now” - Me

“Hey, do you like tacos?” - Ahniang

“Yeah” - Me

“I’ll bring some over to you. What’s your address?” - Ahniang

We had some tacos. We ate and talked for a bit, and then she left. I still couldn’t tell if she likes me or not. Maybe she’s just being friendly, like how we were when we were teenagers.

After Ahniang left. I was busy focusing and working on the garage ceiling and not paying attention to anything. Suddenly:

“Do you like Ahniang? Do you want to marry her?” - Mom

“I like Ahniang” - Me

“Ok” - Mom

A few minutes later

“Ok, I’m done talking with her mom. You and Ahniang are going to be engaged this Sunday.” - Mom

“Wait. What, Engaged? I haven’t even asked her out as my girlfriend. Also, I need to talk with Leon first.” - me

“Ok” - Mom

A few minutes later

“I told her mother to tell Leon” - Mom

“Wait, What? I don’t even know if Ahniang even likes me like that, but at least let me talk to Leon first.” - me

“Do you like her?” - Mom

“Yes, but let me make my move, Mom” - Me

It was on this night that I had stress on top of stress on top of stress.

Dec 23

Throughout the day, at work, I was stressed about so many things. So many unknown variables on my plate. I couldn’t eat, and I was drained both mentally and physically.

Then I got a text:

“Come get some food after work, I’m at my Auntie's house” - Ahniang

“That’s what I need, some food right now” - Me

It was a long day at work, and I’m hungry. I arrived at her aunt’s place wearing a hoodie, hat, and my work clothes. I looked dead tired, and here I am about to enter her aunt’s house, and all I could think about was seeing her and having some food.

As I entered the door, I saw her family. As I walked further, I saw her two aunts, her mom, and my mom with a wine glass in her hand.

“What is happening? I have no clue what is going on.” I thought to myself:

I was nervous, exhausted, and hungry. The night went on, and everyone talked and just looked at me. But after having a meal, I was feeling better as the night went on. Ahniang pulled me to another room to have a conversation. A very deep and personal conversation.

It was during this conversation that she still liked me, and I told her the same thing. Everything clicked; I was what she was looking for, and she was what I was looking for. Our personalities, our values, our everything. I told her I hadn’t forgotten about the boxers and the memories we had as teens. She was embarrassed that I still remembered. But before I could ask her out, I told her that I needed to talk with Leon first.

All these times, I never expressed any emotion or flirted with Ahniang because I had a boundary between her and her brother, and I tried to look at Ahniang as a friend. But I had these feelings for her, and that was going to change when I met with Leon the next day.

Dec 24

I’m a wreck but happy at work, knowing that she and I have the same feeling. I couldn’t sleep the night before and couldn’t function throughout the day. I called Victor and told him the story. He was going to help get Leon to meet up with me at Mucky Duck. All day I’m just stressing out. After work, I was drinking, and I was nervous. Then I get a text.

“Let’s meet at Mucky Duck at 930pm” - Leon

“Ok” - Me

The evening continued, and so did my stress.

“Bro, where you at?” - Leon

“Forgot about the time. I’ll be over there.” - Me

I arrived and talked with Leon, and spilled the whole story.

“When we were younger, you asked me if I was your best friend, and I said yes. I always placed a boundary between my bros and their sisters, and tonight I have to ask you if I could date your sister. So that one day I can ask you if you can be my future brother-in-law” - Me

“Yes, now shut up and let’s drink” - Leon

I blacked out, but I remembered.

Dec 25th

It’s Christmas morning, and I wanted to share the news with Ahniang.

“Can I see you?” - me

“Yes, come over” - Ahniang

I arrived at her place, and we both sat inside the car. I told her what happened last night, then asked her.

“Will you be my girlfriend and go on a date with me this Friday night?” - Me

“Yes” - Ahniang

Dec 26th

It’s 630pm, I picked up Ahniang. I could see that she’s wearing a really nice outfit, and this time I’m not wearing a hoodie, so it’s all good.

We’ve arrived at Eagle’s Nest. We sat down, and I asked all the questions that I had, and she did the same. We got to know each other more and better than before.

We laughed as our emotions played out.

As the night continued, the couple sitting behind me proposed. Everyone in the room cheered and clapped.

“I would be so embarrassed if this happened to me in public.” - Ahniang

“You? Embarrassed? Don’t worry, I won’t do this to you in public,” - Me

I told her to let me hold her hands, and I covered her hands.

“Ahniang, I want you as my wife,” I said as I discreetly placed the engagement ring on her finger. The look on her face was priceless.

“Is this what I think it is?” - Ahniang

“Yes” - Me

Dec 28th

During the engagement party, we got all the close family and relatives near the photoshoot. As everyone gathered around, attention was focused on just the two of us. I got down on my right knee, pulled out the ring, and I asked:

“Will you marry me, Ahniang?” - Me

“Yes” - Ahniang

“Hey Ahniang, after all these years that we’ve known each other, I never asked; what is your full name?” - Me

“It’s Van Cer Thluai” - Ahniang

“When I first met you downtown, I was awed by you. I didn’t realize that you were my Awe Van Cer (Adventure) that I was looking for my whole life.” - Me

April 17

I finally bought her pho from Eggroll number 1. It was good.