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
All set to complete a year of married bliss, the young corporate couple, Hemveer Singh (26) and Ramnik Arora (28) tell us how technology can serve as the great connector despite the (usually) disruptive role ascribed to it. That, and how differences can be a point of celebration, instead of obstruction
his love story started about three years back, when Ramnik Arora, a young product manager with a leading Mumbai-based pharma firm was scrolling through the assorted features of a fun app called ‘V-chat’ on her android phone. The concept of the app is that it allows people within a two km radius to chat with each other without revealing their identity, unless comfortable. She saw the unusual name ‘Hemveer’ and sent a casual ‘hey’. The rest, as they say, is history.
“Honestly though, there was no intention of looking for a prospective romance or any such thing,” she says even as Hemveer affirms: “She sent me a chat request in a pure gesture of friendship, and it was in that spirit that I accepted.”
Both of them out-of-towners he from Kanpur, and she from Chandigarh, it was nevertheless nice to find someone to have a meaningful chat. There was a lot in common both management professionals and Sikhs living in the Shere-Punjab area of Andheri.
Luckily for them, they hit it off quite well from the word go. “The conversation was comfortable and flowed naturally. We found, we had a lot to talk about”, reminisces Hemveer, a former student of BITM (marketing finance), who had just been placed with Nestle’ on campus.
Even so, she took her time sending across her photo, and he was fine with it. A month or so later, they decided to meet up at the Shere-Punjab gurudwara. “Again, it was a very casual meeting--no love at first sight or any such thing. I found her pleasant, mature and companiable, but that was all,” he says.
Evidently, that was far from all, as the conversations went from strength to strength.
“She is the quiet sort; takes a lot of time to open up. At the same time, I found her very good company; someone who had intelligent opinions, and was very calm and poised,” he says.
For her part, Ramnik found herself attracted to his simple, child-like nature. “He is a very honest and truthful man very loyal as well. These are qualities any girl would cherish,” she says.
Still, the first time he asked her for a spin on the bike, the answer was a ‘no.’
“So we took an auto ride instead taking in the sights and smells of Mumbai. Shopping, eating together, meeting up after office a shoulder to rely on in case of a crisis, the relationship progressed gradually and meaningfully. And one day, she just popped the question casually. It had been on my mind for sometime the idea of Ramnik as a potential spouse still, when she actually articulated the question in words, I was taken aback,” he grins.
The families took some persuading too, though not a lot. “I am the only son of my parents,” says Hemveer. A few proposals had been coming in for me—courtesy, the relatives. My parents, on the other hand were planning my wedding a few years later. When I told them about Ramnik, they were concerned how a love-match would pan out. Then there was the substantial height difference between us—she’s 5 feet and I am 6 feet,” he smiles. On the other hand, Ramnik’s family were a lot easier to convince. She does have the reputation of being very mature and responsible. Had a lot of faith in her judgment,” he said.
Even as the process of communication started between two families, Hemveer’s dad, a straightforward and decisive gentleman if ever there was one—on being told that her family was planning to visit them in Kanpur told them straight out: “Since both the children have liked each other, and his mom liked her on their first meeting, while I like Hemveer. Let us unite them with a formal engagement (roka).”
At such short notice, there was no way that Ramnik could have come from Mumbai. “So we had the roka, with Ramnik online. ” laughs Hemveer.
With the formal seal of approval from both families, the couple got back to work in Mumbai. “We had a wonderful official courtship of about 1.5 years. During this time we really got to know each other and spend time together—a must for any strong relationship,” they narrate. Finally, the duo were wed on October 4, 2015 in a happy, fun-filled, colourful Punjabi ceremony.
The key is to give your partner all the space and time they need for their pursuits; at the same time, spend enough time with each other
“Yes, and no,” says Hemveer. “ We used to hang out before marriage—that hasn’t changed. But now that she’s moved in, she makes me keep the house clean; everything has to be spick and span, that’s one big change from my bachelor life,” he says wryly.
Work-life balance is crucial to everything they do, despite the fact that they are both still in their twenties with major demands on the career front. While Hemveer’s profile as a sales officer (chilled dairy) for Nestle has him travelling a lot, Ramnik’s current designation as project manager with IPCA pharmaceuticals requires her to tour as well.
“The key is to give your partner all the space and time they need for their pursuits; at the same time, spend enough time with each other,” she says. “The problem with relationships in the corporate world or any other for that matter is when people confuse having a job with having a life, and a family for a part-time thing. It doesn’t work that way. A marriage requires due time and effort. Besides this, trust and support are hugely important,” she adds.
While the couple have a cook, both share household chores together. “When I am in the kitchen, he joins in and we end up spending some quality time together,” she says. Besides this, both are enthusiastic foodies, who love trying out different cuisines and going on long drives together.
Hemveer chips in, “Time management is the secret behind a successful married and professional life. If you manage that aspect, you can do justice to everything.” Apart from which, he believes in giving due respect to her career. “She’s driven and competent. Let her achieve all that she has set her heart to; she must have her own little world, in terms of both her work and interests. I don’t want to interfere with that. Similarly, when we start a family, I will help in every way.”
Both are great believers in the power of conversation. “I think that has been the best aspect of our relationship—the fact that we speak so much with each other and discuss everything. A problem shared is a problem halved. While we try and keep work pressures away from home, it is a good idea to keep the partner in the loop as to the pressures one is facing,” he says.
For the moment though, it’s time to buy a cake—even as they inch towards their first anniversary.
By Kalyani Sardesai
