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
Sportswoman turned entrepreneur Sayali Bhilare is suitably encouraged by her significant half Shrikant Mundhe in her quest to source and make organic veggies and fruit available through her newly minted venture Organic Healthy Valley - a set up that promotes pesticide-free food at affordable rates at a fair fee for the farmer-sans middlemen. At the heart of this unique business is a firm belief in clean and healthy eating that can only be expected from a former pro tennis player and a pro cricketer (which Sayali and Shrikant happen to be)
Some relationships are built on ground-most specifically the sports ground. She used to be a pro tennis player, while he continues to be a professional cricketer who plays the Ranji trophy and the IPL respectively.
Naturally, training hard every single day was a given and that’s how this young college going couple met at Pune’s famous, Deccan Gymkhana, quite the hub of the city’s sporting talent. Though they saw each other every single day, the duo was too busy to even talk to each other. “But then we met again through common friends and realized we had a special connect,” says Sayali.
The mutual passion for sports had a lot to do with. “As a sportsperson, you have to live a certain way and dedicate certain hours to your passion. It is hard work and sweat, and sometimes tears and disappointment. What’s more you have to get up and fight it out no matter what the challenge,” they say.
Thus it sure helped to have a boyfriend/girlfriend why the other didn’t wish to party at the end of the day and needed some alone time as well. “The pressures of professional sport are hard for a non-sportsperson to understand or handle. But Shrikant and I not only understood each other well but also we gave each other due space,” she elaborates. “We understood where the other was coming from and respected each other’s competitive spirit and focus.”
While this is what they had in common, the differences in their respective personalities were the kind that took the relationship forward. “I am friendly and talkative, plus I tend to flare up soon. He, on the other hand, speaks little and is very patient,” says Sayali.
Love blossomed-and eventually culminated in marriage two years back. And the families couldn’t have been happier. (Both sportspersons and fellow Maharashtrians to boot.)
“From the outset, I took mom into confidence. Dad was a bit taken aback when I told him about Shrikant, but once he met him, he was glad of my choice,” she shares.
“Pressures of professional sport are hard for a non-sportsperson to understand or handle. But Shrikant and I not only understood each other well but also we gave each other due space. We understood where the other was coming from and respected each other’s competitive spirit and focus”
-Sayali
Looking ahead with a purpose
A marriage is about both shared dreams and happy momentsAs things stand, the couple is busy with their respective ventures. Sayali, who has recently turned entrepreneur with Organic Healthy Valley-which is a logical milestone in her interest in both healthy eating and eco-friendly farming. “It all started a few years ago when my dad, a structural designer by profession bought some land in Mahabaleshwar and starting farming. The interest in farming grew-and since as a sportsperson I am a firm believer in healthy food, food that is sustainable both personally and environmentally, this seemed like a good prospect,” she says. (It also made sense considering she holds a Masters Degree in Marketing Management.)
“So what we do is quite simply this: we source organic food from the farmers growing it and make it available sans a middleman. Right through the year, irrespective of the market fluctuations, the farmer is assured of a certain price,” she says. “Organic food is a serious trend that seems to be gaining momentum rapidly. And it is something that anyone invested in their health ought to try out given that fad diets rarely work-only clean, green and whole grain food minus pesticides and excessive refinement are the way ahead.”
On his part, Shrikant is the quintessential proud and supportive husband. “Be it tennis or her new venture, I believe that she will make a success of anything she undertakes,” he says.
Life is hectic but happy even as Shrikant tours extensively for his cricket and Sayali works towards cementing the business. Thus, quality time together consists of watching movies, checking out new restaurants that serve fresh and healthy cuisine that happens to taste good too (a must for these health freaks) and maybe even just sitting at home doing nothing. “Post marriage that happens quite a lot,” grins Shrikant. “You don’t actually have to be going somewhere to be spending time together. Bonding over good old fashioned Maharashtrian food is a stress buster too.”
Like every couple, they do fight-but then conflict management is key. “I am the impatient one, and sometimes I do tend to bring work pressures home and maybe take it all out on him. But he is patient and positive-and only takes offence occasionally,” she smiles.
“The important thing is for one person to keep the peace. When both lose it simultaneously matters only escalate,” says Shrikant.
At the end of the day, both root for trust and mutual respect to keep it working. “Not to forget the fact that we have dated for quite some time and so know each other quite well,” he says. “Friendship is always a good thing for any marriage.”
Kids are on the anvil-eventually. At 28 and 30, both Sayali and Shrikant have careers to focus on and work to do. “When the kid comes, I want him to be equally invested in his/her upbringing. It’s not just a mother’s outlook,” says Sayali.
Thus, right now is not the appropriate time. “We want them when we can do them complete justice and not just have them for the sake of having them. Parenting is serious responsibility,” rounds off Shrikant.
And so, as of now, it’s all about cricket and business as usual
By Kalyani Sardesai
