For the next four and half years, the couple traveled between Michigan and New York City, then upstate New York and Jersey City, to spend time with each another while they each pursued their professional paths. Mr. Fulton had his sights set on business school (he recently graduated with an M.B.A. from Metropolitan College of New York), while Dr. Patel (who is now a partner in Hudson Hematology Oncology in Jersey City) completed his medical training in hematology and oncology. Mr. Fulton, who is originally from Plattsburgh, N.Y., moved closer to his parents for the remainder of his schooling. It was during this time when Dr. Patel forged his relationship with Mr. Fulton’s family.

Mr. Fulton had come out as gay to his parents and siblings two years before and had support and acceptance from his family. Dr. Patel, however, had not yet opened up about his sexuality to his traditional Hindu parents. “I just envisioned this having a negative outcome,” Dr. Patel said. “I was prepared that when I did, I may not speak to my family if their reaction was what I thought it would be.”

He said he cherished his time upstate with Mr. Fulton’s parents, Steven and Erena Fulton. They treated him like a son and often talked about the couple’s future. They asked about Indian culture and what different holidays meant. At the same time, though, Dr. Patel admits he felt guilty that Mr. Fulton didn’t have that kind of relationship with his Houston-based family.

Dr. Patel decided it was time to come out to his parents, Ashok and Geeta Patel, and to his brother and sister-in-law, who had long been trying to set him up with a woman. He was now ready to explain why he always declined the dates. He first called his brother, Dipul, who immediately responded, “I’m here for you.” Dr. Patel then flew home to tell his parents.