Sculpting smiles, spreading joy

Dentist couple Dr. Dimple and Dr. Himanshu Ajwani put the joy back into smiles in the course of their work, whilst balancing home, hearth and their year-old daughter Nomika. This is their story, and this is how they tell it

Dentistry is a cool profession,” grins the affable Dr. Himanshu Ajwani. “No one ever died of a toothache no matter how severe. Besides, modern day pain management is both smooth and sophisticated,” says the professional who is a periodontist and implants surgeon by training and an aesthetician by passion. “Sculpting a pretty smile is where my passion actually lies,” he says, spending the better part of his day giving his clients the best possible smile.

In short, it’s a pathway of crowns, veneers and bridges—not necessarily the easy route— given how demanding high-end patients can be. From actors and models to high-ranking professionals, an increasing number of urban Indians are waking up to the aesthetic and the improved mastication (chewing) benefits of a well-designed set of teeth. “And that’s where the pressure lies,” he shares. “Some patients are demanding, and one has to stay very cool and calm. I can say for a fact that we do, if not the best, at least close to the best possible work.”

It helps that his wife and better half Dr. Dimple Ajwani is his partner in their clinic as well. “Just like that, there’s a second opinion, and possibly a better way to go about things,” he smiles.

That said, both are particular about dividing responsibilities and priorities as per their respective expertise. Dimple specialises in root canals.

As patients make a beeline for their services, it’s amazing how easy the duo make work-life balance look. “Not quite,” avers Himanshu. “Nothing in life is easy. But if you plan, prioritise and follow it through, things tend to work out.”

Back to the beginning

This love story was first scripted 12 years ago at a dental conference in Mumbai. “I am a Mumbai girl through and through. But the conference saw a lot of participants from different cities, and that’s how I met Himanshu,” recounts Dimple.

The young dentist from Pune, slightly her senior, had just completed his MDS and was easy to talk to. “I had just completed my BDS and was happy to meet a fellow Sindhi who had chosen this field too. As you know, Sindhis are by and large a successful business community, and meeting a fellow medico was a rare event,” she shares.

Himanshu. “There is a simple reason why relationships don’t work out these days—no one likes to compromise, whereas life itself is a compromise. There are no perfect partners and no perfect situations, but the important thing is to focus on the positive. The infamous attitude of 'It’s my way or the highway,' will only break bonds,” he expresses.

The duo hit it off from the get-go, not because of the done-to-death “opposites attract” formula but thanks to the fact that they had so much in common. “We are both chatty, communicative and easy-going with similar goals, values and aspirations,” she says.

And so, the friendship went from strength to strength. Nevertheless, it did take them time to bring their families onto the same page as love marriages are not quite the norm. “We took each day as it came, firm in the belief that if we were meant to be together, we would be, no matter what,” she adds.

As it happened, destiny did will them to be together, and they were duly wed with both families’ blessings.

After marriage, Dimple shifted to Himanshu’s hometown Pune. “Initially we were running two clinics—one in Mumbai and the other in Pune, but since it became too much, we decided to concentrate on Pune,” she says.

The building blocks of a marriage

What, according to both, are the pillars of a relationship given that they have been married for a decade now? “Well, love is definitely necessary,” says Himanshu. “But it must be backed by loyalty, respect and trust. Be truthful with one another and it will all fall in place.”

On her part, Dimple would give topmost priority to mutual respect and spending quality time together.

Speaking of which, how do they unwind after work? “We do regular date nights,” she smiles. “I just have one condition: we need to try out a new place each time since both of us are committed foodies.”

That, and travel. “We both enjoy that for work and fun; however, since our little one arrived that’s reduced,” says Himanshu.

Like every couple, they have their share of fights too, but as Himanshu quips, “I have a simple formula for resolving issues: the wife is always right. That keeps everything peaceful.”

On a more serious note, both Himanshu and Dimple are spiritually inclined and believe in the power of meditation and staying calm and focused.

Nothing in life is easy. But if you plan, prioritise and follow it through, things tend to work out

— Dr. Himanshu Ajwani

The mantras of marriage

• Shared dreams and goals
• Mutual respect
• Loyalty
• Compromise and adjustment

So, what advice would they give to young couples on keeping relationships together? “You know, since both Dimple and I teach, we meet youngsters in their twenties,” says Himanshu. “There is a simple reason why relationships don’t work out these days—no one likes to compromise, whereas life itself is a compromise. There are no perfect partners and no perfect situations, but the important thing is to focus on the positive. The infamous attitude of 'It’s my way or the highway,' will only break bonds,” he expresses.

Bringing up baby

Parenting is another important arena of teamwork in a couple’s life. Life has changed 360 degrees for the “play hard and work hard” team. As things stand, the couple work their schedule around their little one. “We always want to be there for her in little and big ways,” says Dimple. To that end, she has currently cut back on her hours at work, while Himanshu has cut back on his travel. Life is hectic but happy, and each day a learning curve.

Considering that both Himanshu and Dimple are educated and highly trained professionals, it would perhaps seem natural that they would be most particular about marks and academics for their little girl. “No, not at all,’” Himanshu shakes his head. “What we really want for her is to have the ability to choose for herself and enjoy whatever she takes up.”

There are some non-negotiables though. “I hope, we are in some measure, able to showcase by personal example, the importance of working hard and being a good human being,” he says. “That’s what matters the most to us.”