It is not often these days that a college romance fructifies into 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
The quintessential corporate couple, Kalpesh and Neha Saraf, prove that it is very much possible to enjoy a career along with a happy family life, peace of mind along with professionalism and stability with the dynamism of growth
This love story was scripted about a decade back on the campus of Sri Balaji Society, Pune. Both of them being batch mates for the MBA marketing course, he asked her to help him study finance—a subject new to an IT engineering graduate. Being a BBA degree holder, she did help out successfully.
One thing led to another, and six months into the academic session Kalpesh Saraf knew Neha Shah was 'The One' for him. From finance to family may sure seem like a dramatic transition in such a short span, but the young man knew exactly what he was doing. "I wanted a girl who shared my deep sense of commitment to family. Having lost my dad pretty early in life, and being the only son to boot, I was extremely close to mom and very conscious of my responsibilities to her," he shares.
Naturally, this meant a nuclear set up consisting of just husband and wife would not be possible— something that a young and modern wife would want. "However, when I saw how close Neha was to her own family, how particular she was about caring for them, I knew she would understand. And she did," he says. What's more, he did not wish to shift out of his home town Pune either, given his mother's comfort in her later years.
Neha agreed readily, and the duo was ceremoniously wed in a traditional function in 2010 on completion of their MBA program. Considering that both were Gujaratis as well as individuals with a shared value system, the families were only too happy to give the young couple their blessing.
It helped that their differences only helped to strengthen the bond the two of them shared. "He's an extrovert, a full-on people's person someone who can hold a conversation even with a complete stranger. On the other hand, I am more reserved and take my time opening up," smiles Neha. "But he was loving, kind and responsible—all the qualities that I would cherish and respect in a life partner."
Problems and obstacles arise in each and every marriage, but the trick is never to let the pursuit of big goals or the presence of big problems take away from the small joys of life it could be as simple as pulling up one's car to the road side to share chaat or paani puri together
— Kalpesh
A happy family: Neha, Kalpesh with their daughter, ShanayaPost marriage Kalpesh and Neha lived with his mother, an arrangement that proved advantageous to everyone. "An older person around is always a support system and helps keep you grounded," they say.
Sure, there were adjustments to be made but both Kalpesh and his mom were more than happy to let Neha fly-even if it meant taking up a six month project in Mumbai in the course of her job at Mondelez. "She would come down to Pune on weekends and we would spend some quality time together," says Kalpesh."We knew this stint would benefit her, and did all we could to help."
A little while later, their bundle of joy Shanaya was born completing the happy little family picture. As of now Kalpesh is working with NASSCOM as lead, while Neha has just taken a break from her current job as senior manager at Firstnaukri.com, an Infoedge company. "Lately, Shanaya seems to be needing a bit more of her time. So she has taken this little break from her career. But she will also utilize her time to pursue a certification or qualification of some kind that will help her get back to work as and when she decides to do so," says Kalpesh. "A point that I wish to make here is that priorities evolve as time goes on, and balance is key to every institution, including family.
Married for eight years now, their mantras for togetherness are simple: trust, respect, space and sharing. "He has always helped me out with household chores and that's a very significant contribution," she says. To which Kalpesh adds that responsibilities divided are responsibilities shared. "These things add to the quality of life that you share," he says.
Problems and obstacles arise in each and every marriage, but the trick is never to let the pursuit of big goals or the presence of big problems take away from the small joys of life it could be as simple as pulling up one's car to the road side to share chaat or paani puri together. "Romance is in the small moments, and so is the beauty of life, " says Kalpesh.
However, their notion of romance is a departure from the conventional candle light dinner with roses and expensive gifts. "Even a small thing like surprising her with paan-something she thoroughly enjoys-adds to the moments we spend together," says Kalpesh. "We believe in grabbing them every chance we get."
So how do they manage conflict and resolve quarrelsome situations. The loss of Kalpesh's mom in 2016 has helped them both mature-and take charge of things both big and small. "Earlier on, mom was there to provide a calmer perspective. But when you lose an elder, you tend to grow up in every way," says Neha.
Kalpesh, admittedly, being the hot-tempered one also tends up being the one doing most of the apologizing. "However, when tensions really build up, just go to bed and let things be for the moment. The next morning is usually brighter," he grins.
Amidst all this, he is particular about spending enough time with his wife and daughter. "I usually come home by 6-6:30 pm and from then, till we go to bed, my whole time is devoted to both of them," he says. At the same time, he is pretty happy at work and enjoying his time in office.
Like every young couple, bringing up their child to the best of their ability and understanding is important to both Neha and Kalpesh. As in all other aspects of their life, here too, balance rules. "We believe in handling each situation differently. Give her a loving home, be liberal and understanding, but also be strict as and when required," says Neha.
Affirms Kalpesh, "Doing well at school is fine, but along with that, respect for elders and getting along with peers are qualities that are very important too. There can be no compromise there. She needs to understand from a young age that human relationships are important-be they with friends or family."
To that end, the couple also has a big friend circle with whom they enjoy plenty of quality time. "Every weekend, either we are in their home, or someone drops by. Luckily, most of our friends have kids of a similar age so that helps Shanaya make some great friends too," says Kalpesh. "A support system like that is important for a young family."
At the end of the day, though, a simple truth keeps them going." A couple must always remember that despite the differences they may have, their destiny at the end of the day, is the same," they round off.
Something to ponder over, for sure.
By Kalyani Sardesai
