New horizons and young dreams

There’s something to be said about the headiness of young love, especially when it is found in someone you know and trust. IT professionals Sonali Lokhande and Vinit Gulhane took that leap of faith just three months ago, and look forward to exploring dreams, personal and professional. That, and plenty of travel on roads not yet seen

A holiday exploring the gorgeousness of the Konkan coast in all its verdant green splendour seemed like a great idea when a common friend suggested it. After all, it is as good a holiday destination as any when it comes to unwinding from work pressures and mundane day to day drudgery.

That’s how Pune girl cum cyber security professional Sonali Lokhande met software engineer Vinit Gulhane from Yavatmal, Maharashtra. “A close friend of mine happened to be his colleague and that’s how we both went on the trip,” she says.

Amidst a group of friends and colleagues, the first meeting hardly rang any bells. “It was as normal and casual as could be; no love at first sight business,” grins Sonali.

Instead, after that first meeting, slow and steady was how their relationship progressed. They were friends who could converse easily given how comfortable they were with each other. “I am the talkative one, while he’s a patient listener. We realised there was a lot we could talk about,” reminisces Sonali.

There was much to like about each other and the personality differences only cemented the bond. “He has a calming presence and is a lot like my late father who passed away due to Covid,” says Sonali. While Vinit appreciated her energy, fun-loving ways and genuine, upfront honesty. “She is not the one to pretend to be anyone else or say what she doesn’t mean. I really appreciate that about her,” he says.

And yet, the penny did not drop, until one day Vinit suggested what seemed logical and obvious to him, since they got on so well, why not take the relationship a step further and commit to each other?

Taken aback, Sonali nevertheless, gave it a deeper thought, and shared the same with her mom—who was looking out for suitable marital alliances for her. “But, when she heard about Vinit, she was quite happy for me,” says Sonali.

Gradually, Sonali too came to the realisation that Vinit was the life partner she had always dreamed off. “I would often dream of someone who would always support me and care for me. A person whose favourite colour happened to be white,” she shares. “I would have never guessed it, but strangely, Vinit’s favourite colour is also white. We also happen to love the same perfume.” Talk about a happy coincidence!.

The couple dated for a year plus before finally tying the knot recently.

From strength to strength

Marriage is obviously a different ball game, especially given the demands on their professional lives, but it helps that this is an equation rooted in friendship. “Honestly, we are friends and buddies before we are husband and wife. It basically means we have each other’s backs,” says Vinit. From sharing household chores, “I wash up; she cooks” to being a sounding board to each other, the life partners are living, learning and growing together each day. There is also an element of shared humour and playfulness to their equation, which keep things fun.

Considering that they have dated for a year and have recently married, what as per them, are the pillars of a relationship? “Loyalty and trust would top the charts in today’s day and age,” says Sonali while Vinit couldn’t agree more. “Trust your partner, trust their choices and their judgement. Everything falls in place thereafter,” he says. “Other factors would be understanding each other and believing in each other’s capabilities and dreams,” he adds.

Of course, they fight too—but not a lot. “I don’t really remember a huge fight in all the days we have been together,” says Sonali. “This is because he’s really calm and patient, and allows me to let off steam when I am upset about something,” she adds.

"Yeah,” quips Vinit. “I don’t give her a chance to fight by staying quiet".

“And so, when I calm down, I usually apologise,” laughs Sonali.

On a serious note, though, the couple has a simple mantra - never go to sleep angry and upset with each other. “If she’s upset, I will try to make her laugh by pinching her cheeks or making a funny face. These simple things go a long way in bonding and bringing us closer,” he says

While it’s early days yet for the couple, adjustment has not been that hard. “We mostly live by ourselves. Of course, his parents visit once in a way, and we are glad of that. We like to celebrate festivals as a family; I am quite spiritual that way and like to observe fasts and little rituals, as they keep us connected to our roots,” says Sonali.

As of today, she is employed with Johnson Controls while he works for Sakon. Life is hectic but rewarding. Quality time together consists of treks to nearby hills and woods, a quick weekend getaway and exploring new eateries together.

Work-life balance isn’t hard as they stick to a few ground rules — no bringing office pressures home, keeping the mobile away whilst having deep conversations and zipping off for long early morning drives on their bikes. “We do this when I return from my early morning shift. The morning air is fresh and invigorating,” says Sonali. Other than travel, Vinit particularly enjoys their little dinner dates each fortnight.

Looking ahead...

While parenthood is important for the couple eventually, they are currently focused on their dreams and careers. Sonali hopes to succeed as a businesswoman one day, offering security solutions, hydroponics and drop shipping.

“I have told her that whatever she chooses to do, I am there for her,” says Vinit. “She is this bundle of energy, and is focused and hard working, so she should push the envelope and reach for her dreams,” he adds.

THE MANTRAS OF MARRIAGE

• Loyalty and trust
• Supporting each other’s dream
• Staying calm when the other is angry
• Spending quality time together