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
Married for just over six months, this young and much-in-love couple, nevertheless, has a relationship based on the solid ground of friendship and mutual understanding. HR professionals both, Simranjeet Singh Marwah (28) and his better half Ekta Kaur (25) are on the verge of a rewarding personal and professional life
It could be a scene straight out a movie— except that it wasn’t. The location, instead, was the admission drive for BIMM at Bhopal. As an alumni of the college, and HR professional himself, the gregarious and affable Simranjeet Singh Marwah attended the drive in his hometown. “But when I went there, Bala sir asked me to be on the interviewing panel as he believed I would be able to recruit suitable candidates as well. Surprised and happy, I agreed,” he narrates. It was a hectic, busy day but he carried out the duty faithfully. Finally, when it was time to leave, he realised there was one more candidate on the list he hadn’t interviewed yet. The name read: Ekta Kaur.
“I was impressed by her confidence and composure and ability to put across her point with conviction. Only thing: she wanted to do MBA in finance, but I thought she was better suited to HR.”
And that was the start of a long and enriching friendship—which seamlessly transitioned into a courtship.
Already employed with the Aditya Birla Group, Simranjeet was the perfect mentor- cum-advisor for a young and anxious First year student. “She would ask me for advice on several matters, and I was happy to give it, especially as she was obviously so bright and driven.”
On her part, Ekta was grateful for the support that came her way, especially when it came to giving her first-ever presentation in college. “It was a success, my inputs had just obviously worked, and it clicked to me that perhaps we were meant to be together. I proposed to her just the day before she began her course. And she said yes...” says Simranjeet
Despite the fact that they were so much in love and positive about each other, the relationship still had to go through the gamut of struggle, adjustments and misunderstandings. “Being in a long distance relationship is tough, and plenty of times, one is not able to convey what one wants to. Besides, he was already working whereas I was still a student with Balaji, adjusting to the demanding curriculum. Just a few months into the relationship, we had a massive argument over a matter. We just could not see eye to eye on the subject. Things got so heated that we said perhaps it would be a good idea to split,” shares Ekta.
Not one to give up easily though, Simranjeet who was then working with Grasim in Gujarat took the overnight bus to patch up with his furious lady love. Naturally, she couldn’t help but be impressed with the sincerity and lengths he was willing to go to keep the relationship. “It said a lot about the man,” she says.
There were many other happy moments too. “I must mention here that no boyfriend or husband I know goes through so much trouble to plan surprises. He is hugely romantic that way,” she says.
An outstanding memory is the time he helped her roommates hide 23 gifts in her room on occasion of her 23rd birthday. “There were so many little thoughtfully–chosen things, ranging from flowers and chocolates to soft toys, letters and dresses. It was the most beautiful gesture ever,” says Ekta.
Shortly after, Simranjeet introduced her to his family on the occasion of his sister’s wedding. “I had told my mom about her though the rest of the family was told that she was just a friend,” he says. However, Ekta’s parents had seen and liked Simranjeet and despite not knowing about them—Ekta was told by her parents that in case they had any thoughts of a future together, there was no objection from their side.
He was formally accepted by the family on occasion of her convocation in 2015, which he made a point to attend as well.
The duo was finally wed in March this year in Ekta’s home town Jhansi amidst much revelry. As far as Simranjeet is concerned, Ekta is his lucky charm. “My promotion was confirmed the very next day after our wedding,” he says.
As of today, he is HR business partner (Ahmedabad) for Amazon, while she is Regional HR manager with Aegon Life.
“Post-marriage we both have had hectic schedules and have not been able to go on honeymoon. However, neither of us made an issue of it as it was a mutual decision. Besides, life is about discovering different moments together”
— Simranjeet
Simran has a special word of thanks for Bala sir in helping him meet Ekta. “Had it not been for him, I would neither have taken up HR, nor met the love of my life,” he says gratefully.
On a different note, Simranjeet credits his better half with being quite the balancing factor in his life. “I am an extreme extrovert. But she knows when to pull back and that keeps thing on a stable and even keel,” he says.
Conflict management is key to the success of any relationship, and both are careful not to let differences fester. “Whoever is in the wrong apologizes, and we both move on after sorting the matter out,” she says.
Things are busy and happy, and both are happy to make the adjustments that are required of them. “The important thing is to know each other’s strengths and have complete faith in each other,” she says.
Sure, there are the mandatory tough moments, but as Simranjeet points out: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going. This is true of relationships as well. One must simply be more persistent about working on things.”
Marriage, like everything else, is about priorities, they say. “For example, I had an opportunity with ICICI in another city but I did not want a transfer as my relationship with Simranjeet and my new family was important for me,” says Ekta. “And when we do start a family, I am firm about wanting to spend the first three years with the baby before rejoining work. Simranjeet is completely supportive on that score as well.”
But all that is for later. On the anvil are plans to take that much-awaited honeymoon to Singapore and Bali. “Post-marriage we both have had hectic schedules and have not been able to go on honeymoon. However, neither of us made an issue of it as it was a mutual decision. Besides, life is about discovering different moments together,” rounds of Simranjeet.
By Kalyani Sardesai
