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.
At 27 and 30 respectively, Ritesh and Heena Ranjan Thakur,invest their marriage and relationship with an understanding well beyond their years
Married for a little over a year and a half, Ritesh and Heena, fill the gaps in each other’s lives and routines with quiet dexterity. Irrespective of what time the other returns due to the crazy corporate hours, the spouse who’s been home that day—will be ready with a hot meal, a smile and a patient ear. If one of them has to travel overseas, the other will take care of all the arrangements—so that all the traveller has to do is pick up the bag, and proceed in peace.
Not for them the tedium of arguing over each other’s hectic schedules or a litany of complaints of having to manage alone for a little while: just acceptance and synchrony.
“My job profile as manager with Viraj Profiles Ltd has me travelling for as many as 10 to 12 days a month. The time we get together is precious and welcome. So even if I have come home at 3 am, she’s game to go out for a drive and a coffee,” smiles Ritesh. “Sometimes it gets crazier. We could drive down to Lonavala if the mood strikes us.” (The couple is based in Mumbai currently. Heena works as a Business Analyst with JP Morgan.)
It is precisely this camaraderie that makes the partnership a joy and never minds the cultural differences.(He’s a Hindu Rajput from Jamshedpur, while she’s a Sindhi from Kanpur.)
While Ritesh completed his MBA in Marketing and IT from a renowned college in the city, Heena is MBA Finance from Dr Gaur Hari Singhania Institute of Management. Both met as management trainees at Tata Steel, Mumbai,where Ritesh who’s a batch senior, was placed as Heena’s mentor.
“We are both workaholics and focused about achieving whatever we undertake. A deadline is a deadline, no matter what,” says Heena. This shared ethic brought them closer and slowly, the relationship grew.
On his part, he greatly appreciates her bluntness and purity of heart, her childlike manner and love of life. On hers, she is completely gung-ho over his “deep sense of loyalty, not just towards relationships but every other aspect of life”. Besides,he is patient, understanding a great listener.
Even so, formalities had to be worked through.
“Though I adored her, I told her that marriage would happen only if both sets of parents gave us their wholehearted blessings,” shares Ritesh. While her parents were open to the idea, Ritesh’s dad had his reservations over the difference in cultural backgrounds. “With patience and perseverance, after about a year and a half, he finally consented to meeting Heena’s family. With one caveat though: I was not supposed to be home when the meeting happened.”
When he returned home at 10 pm, nervous and curious as well—to his amazement, both families were giggling, joking and bonding together as if they were long-lost friends.
“I fled to my room; a little taken aback. Heena’s laughter was the loudest of all... she also seemed to be talking the most... huh!! Just what was happening around here?” He texted her—asking her to take it easy as it was only the first meeting with his folks. She texted back: but it has been this way all evening!! “Apparently, just a few minutes into the meeting, my parents had accepted Heena as a daughter-in-law and gifted her jewellery,” says Ritesh wonderingly.
Post a fun-filled, traditional wedding in February 2014, the couple is based in Mumbai.
Though both keep tough hours, it helps greatly that Ritesh is a house-proud husband who helps out with both the chores. “We have to be realistic. Life these days is tough; careers are demanding. If after working for about ten hours a day, you expect your wife to cook elaborate meals and keep a wonderful home to boot—you’re being unreasonable. Help her out. Take care of her,especially if she’s coming home later than you that day,” says Ritesh. “These little things go a long way in strengthening your bond.”
While Heena adds that she “feels blessed to have a partner who helps out in every way.”
Both enjoy movies, restaurants—being committed and enthusiastic foodies—and travel.
“I travel the world over, and bring home food and wine, which we both enjoy. These days we are both into experimenting with different cuisines,” he smiles. An episode that stands out in memory is his first date with Heena—for which he gifted her with a bottle of vintage from Spain. “She did not drink, and instead of taking it home for her family—she actually sold it to the Food and Beverages guy at the hotel where we were having our meal. They paid her quite well for it,” he says wryly.
But she did not stop there. She actually bought stationery and candy with it and distributed it to kids on the road. “I did not know how to react... expect to say: well, she’s different!!!” he says, amazed.
In retrospect, though, that obviously did not deter him!! “If two people think and act the same way, where’s the fun?” he counters.
“Marry only when you are ready. Understand that you have the responsibility not just of your spouse but two families. Relationships take work and understanding,” says Ritesh
And Ritesh’s proved a rock-solid support besides the happy days as well. Heena’s dad’s untimely demise, within months post their wedding totally devastated Heena and her brother as they were very close to their dad. “Ritesh took over everything. He was such a pillar of strength to our mother that people wondered whether he was the son or son-in-law. From taking care of the arrangements to consoling us, he did it all without complaint. Despite his busy schedule, he did not open his laptop for a fortnight; he gave us all his time and attention. It was then that I understood that I had married a man with a deep sense of familial responsibility,” says Heena.
Naturally, the episode has brought them closer.
On a lighter note, who’s the more romantic one? “I would say it’s me,” he says. “But while I am the one who takes efforts over birthdays and anniversaries, she infuses her care and commitment into making ordinary moments special...from giving me a flower to cooking a special meal for no reason at all, she is a giver.”
Given the backdrop of corporate life and its fly-by-night relationships, what do they believe makes a relationship work?
“It’s all about balance,” says Heena. “That, and respect for your spouse. If you have that, any situation will work. My husband supports me in matters big and small—and that is a huge plus.”
Ritesh offers his take. “Marry only when you are ready. Understand that you have the responsibility not just of your spouse but two families. Relationships take work and understanding. Also transparency and communication are the bed-rock of every marriage,” he says.
BY Kalyani Sardesai
