Relationships work if you want them to... Akanksha Saini (29) and Saurav Satnalika (32) would know. Married for just over a year —and courted for several--they worked their way through family reluctance with quiet determination. In the end, it was all worth it.
It is not often these days that 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.
They just bought their first house.Now based in Bangalore, married for little over a year, married life may have just begun for this young couple but their journey together started long back.
Batchmates at a leading management institute in India, for the years 2008-10, Akanksha did her MBA (HR) while Saurav was enrolled for MBA (Marketing). Though they had few common friends, they somehow, never did meet. “The first time I saw him was at the campus placements,” recollects Akanksha. Even so, the first meeting was far from memorable busy as they were with the group discussions.Second meeting – at a psychometric test which Akanksha had been informed of at the last minute. “I was wondering which options were valid to tick. I asked the ordinator, but the man in front of me, without being asked, answered. It was Saurav. I gave him a sour look in return,” she giggles.
But the test worked out well; both were chosen by the same company of at the last minute, TVS Sundram Fasteners. She for HR, he for the marketing team, and that’s when they got talking.“There were five of us chosen and post joining , we had a five day induction programme, and was a lot of fun. Saurav and I gelled very well indeed. At the end of the programme, we both went our separate ways. But there was a spark and a niggling regret at what could have been,” shares Akanksha.
However, the duo was the target of plenty of good-natured teasing and nudging by their batch mates who had somehow guessed their feelings for each other.
One thing led to another conversations and meetings became frequent but even then parental approval was a big deal indeed. “I hail from Roorkee, Uttarakhand, while his family are the Aggarwals from Kolkata – who are known to be traditional” says Akanksha. “ Naturally my parents were worried as to whether I’d fit into such a conservative set-up. But my younger brother Vaibhav was a huge support to both of us.”
“Also, Akanksha was positive that we’d make it together given time and patience. It was her determination that encouraged me to keep the attempts going to convince my folks,” says Saurav.
Even so, the first time he spoke to his dad, he came up against a wall. Ditto, the next few times. “A love match with someone outside the community, was not a desirable prospect,” he says. Plus, he had a younger sister to be married off as well.
Still, neither of them gave up. “Eventually, my parents met him. They liked him and found no reason to refuse. Similarly, Saurav’s uncle managed to convince his father, and the families finally met,” says Akanksha.
They had an impromptu roka (engagement) in October 2014 “spontaneous and sudden, after all that waiting but everything fell in place.” This was followed by a wedding in May 2015 with the parental approval they had both craved for.
Post their nuptials, the couple is based in Bangalore while she is the Assistant Manager HR with TVS Sundram Fasteners, Saurav is Deputy Manager, exports marketing at CUMI, Murugappa. “We both are a study in contrast,”giggles Akanksha.
While she is the fun-loving, gregarious chatter-box, he is quiet and opens up gradually. “What I really appreciate about him is his genuineness. He’s not the one to try and impress women with flattery and fancy conversation; in fact, he is himself at all times,” she says. “He is also intelligent,driven, and very family oriented.”
“It’s not as if I am not social,” smiles Saurav. “But it’s like this I need a partner to dance with me at a party. Whereas she will start dancing by herself, and pull everyone on the floor. Her infectious energy and positivity is just amazing.”
Besides, he says, he loves her dedication and determination. “Whatever she takes up, be it work or relationships, she gives her hundred per cent to them. Honestly,I am lucky to have her.”
“ I would put trust in your partner at number one,” says Saurav.“Corporate careers are demanding and tough. Delays at work happen all the time one has to be understanding and patient. My work requires me to travel a lot too but she is supportive and accepting.”
Household duties are shared too.“I do the cooking as we both enjoy it and I don’t think I’d like to outsource it to anyone else,” grins Akanksha. “But we do have reliable domestic help,” Saurav chips in at various points. He doesn’t mind making a cup of tea if I am late, he does all that.”
“Honestly, it’s no big deal. If both husband and wife are working it’s only fair to help out your partner,” shrugs Saurav.
On her part, Akanksha cherishes the little things he does for her. “I never ask for gifts but I get these surprises every now and then. Be it a watch or a perfume, each gift is chosen with thought and care,” she says.
Friction happens but whoever is in the wrong apologizes. “If one spouse is angry, it is a good idea to give him or her some time to cool off, before you talk. It prevents the fight from escalating,” says Saurav.
Despite their schedules, both are particular about having as many meals together in a day as possible. “Breakfast and dinner are together,for sure,” says Akanksha.
"Corporate careers are demanding and tough. Delays at work happen all the time one has to be understanding and patient - Saurav"
While the usual dinners and shopping and weekends out are fine, at the crux of everything is their value system which is a blend of the modern and traditional.
“We make it a point to visit our parents or have them over at every chance we get. Family is important to both of us,” says Saurav.
“Sure, I have career goals and am working towards them. Eventually, I want to make the transition from HR to coaching and am taking steps in that direction. But nothing comes at the cost of family,” says Akanksha. “Besides,the corporate world offers you plenty of career choices to help you balance work and family. Workplaces are also getting more mother and child friendly with flexi hours and work from home facilities. With all that available, I do believe that I would be able to do justice to all aspects of our family life, even when we have a child,” says Akanksha.
And no, their different backgrounds don’t get in the way. “At the end of the day, it’s all about perception. You can celebrate differences and overcome them, if you wish to,” says Saurav.
By Kalyani Sardesai
