It is not often these days that a college romance fructifies into a wedlock.Corporate Citizen unlocks the story of love that has culminated into marriage,for we believe in the stability of a relationship and family unit. We bring to you real life romances that got sealed in marriage.
Childhood sweethearts AMIT RANJAN and SHWETA KUMARI on why they don’t ever feel the pressure of having committed too early
In a world where commitment phobia rules supreme, this is a sweet and simple testimony to the power of love.The kind that stands the test of time, distance and work pressure.The kind that does not believe a proposal in high school was way too early or that a wedding that took its own time happening, a tad too late.For as far as they are concerned, they’re together-and perfectly content.
“Not for a moment did it ever strike me that I chose my partner too early in life,” says Shweta Kumari. “Or that the commitment was a burden in any way. You adjust with anyone you choose to spend your life with; in fact the journey has been far smoother with a childhood friend.”
Both 30, Amit Ranjan and Shweta Kumari have known each other for as many as 17 years,going as far back as the time when they were class VII batch mates studying together in their home town of Jamshedpur.Now well-qualified professionals both he’s Business Partner (HR&IR) with EternisFine Chemicals Ltd.,a Mariwala Group Company (Marico Ltd.)while she’s a SAP HCM consultant with Capgemini.
Married and settled for around three years in Mumbai, both nevertheless, share the comfort of a relationship that has blossomed over time.
And to think, it all started at an early age, when Amit a determined teenager-decided it was time to express his feelings for his buddy since Std VII. The very same girl whose sense of responsibility and intelligence had left a deep impression on him. Please do keep in mind the conservative backdrop of prim and propah Jamshedpur so feelings had to be expressed through a card. “There was a tacit understanding,though both of us had lots to achieve before anything else,” says Shweta.
Both went their own separate ways.Shweta completed her engineering from Allahabad,while Amit did his B Com and Law from Pune.But despite their different worlds and academic schedule, they hung onto each other tenaciously.“We’d make it a point to meet up every few months,” says Amit.
Their paths once again converged in Pune for their MBA HR. Luckily both made it to the rolls of the batch of 2009-11.
Over the next two years, both were active and energetic students on campus. While he was cultural coordinator,she was someone who took part in every dance and sporting activity under the sun. “Everyone knew we were a pair,”shares Amit.
There wasn’t much opposition from either family, given their common educational and cultural backgrounds, but for some concerns raised by Shweta’s parents about the fact that both were exactly the same age.“They would have preferred it if I were slightly older, and hence,better and settled,” shares Amit.
“Luckily, both of us found good placements and packages with good and reputed MNCs, thanks to the guidance of our faculty and college, and hence were in a strong position to plead our case.”
It took some convincing but, finally wed in 2013 - with both sets of parents in absolute agreement that their children had chosen their partner well.
As in the case of every stable relationship, both Amit and Shweta are a foil to each other.Some steps match, others don’t, but it all works to their advantage.
“ I am patient, while she has a bit of a temper,” smiles Amit.“On the other hand, I admire the fact that she is practical and flexible to the demands of the occasion. We have known each other for so long, people and contexts change dramatically in this interlude, but thankfully, her sense of logic and reason, remain the same.She always supported me to achieve my goals and targets and as result, it has been great going.”
A man secure in his own skin, Amit is proud of Shweta’s achievements. “She has always shone brightly in the field of academics. A topper and gold medalist right through her educational career, she has always aspired high.” he narrates.
On her part, Shweta is hugely appreciative of his understanding and supportive ways. “Even if I am delayed or held back at work, I will find a hot meal waiting for me. He is very handy around the house-be it setting up the washing machine or supervising the maid. Also, no matter how tough a day has been I look forward to sharing the events with him, knowing how patient and wise he is. His people management skills are a huge moral support, and I manage to find solutions to most office conflicts,” she says.
Despite the pace of their work days, they make it a point to ear-mark quality time together. “We take crazy vacations together and have gone on a biking/driving expedition to Leh-Ladakh from New Delhi. Both of us are sporty and adventure loving, and have tried out the wackiest activities ranging from river rafting to rappelling to trekking to scuba diving and looking forward to try out many more,”grins Amit.
Apart from this, both love to check out the latest musical concerts, movies and eating joints in town. “In short, we both believe in living life to the fullest, and giving each day our all,” says Amit.
Careers in the corporate world require you to travel,attend official parties.Trust your partner and believe in your relationship-any kind of negativity is a waste of time, apart from being utterly harmful
“I believe it’s all about defining your priorities.A lot of people are way too focused on their careers to take along a partner. Each to their own. But while both Shweta and I are highly ambitious we believe that the sky is the limit for anyone who enjoys the strong and sure ground of a happy family life,” says Amit.
Trust is another indispensable pillar in any marriage, old and new. “Careers in the corporate world require you to travel, attend official parties and so on.Meeting new people is a given. Trust your partner and believe in your relationship any kind of negativity is a waste of time, apart from being utterly harmful” says Shweta.
Both go all out to take care of each other’s’ parents when they are visiting from Jharkhand.“For the most part, we live by ourselves in Chembur. But when parents visit, we make it a point to make them feel comfortable and wanted,” says Shweta.
And while career graphs continue upwards and onwards, they have discussed having a family together eventually.“Giving up work isn’t an option for either of us. At the same time,it’s crucial to give the baby due time and care.We are lucky to have educated and involved parents who would be happy to help out,if called upon to do so. And even when they can’t, finding responsible day care in Mumbai wouldn’t be difficult,” says Shweta. “At the end of the day,though it’s all about balancing work and family.When you fill in the blanks for each other, and support each other, through thick and thin, you can realise every single dream you had.”
BY Kalyani Sardesai
