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
Love and life are all about partnership, and supporting each other with one's respective strengths. IT professionals Deepak Bharadwaj and Puja Nagpal on the importance of positivity, acceptance and patience in making it work
Some stories are simply meant to be. Through time, distance and all the pressures that inevitably go with a long-distance relationship, not to forget the pressures of nascent careers. But Deepak Bharadwaj (34) and Puja Nagpal (32) are adept at keeping it going through thick and thin, thanks to their seven-year-old courtship.
Strangely but symbolically enough, this relationship started with the duo sitting next to each other at an examination bench. He was in his final year of electrical engineering at Lingaya’s College, Faridabad, while she, two years his junior, was pursuing a degree in computer science.
From the outset, the conversation flowed easily and comfortably, despite, or because of, the contrasting differences in the duo’s personality. He—outgoing, extroverted, life-of-the-party kind. She—quiet, compassionate, caring and a woman of few words.
A Parisian vacationStill, it wasn’t quite the right time to foresee a future together. Both youngsters had careers to build. After graduation, he took up a job for a brief 1.5 years with the Goenka Group before heading to BIMM Pune to pursue his MBA in Marketing & IT in 2006. That was the first time they were separated.
But this was to be the pattern over the next few years, when she moved to Wipro Bengaluru for work, and he moved to Delhi for the same. Nevertheless, the friendship merely grew stronger day by day. By 2010, they realized they were meant to be together and decided to tell their respective families. There was a quite a difference in their cultural backgrounds and the parents were not pleased. He is a Brahmin, and she, a Punjabi. “Her parents were far more open to the situation than mine. Luckily, my brother had a love marriage and had married a South Indian, so we had support from that quarter,” explains Deepak.
After some persuasion, the duo was wed in 2012 with everyone’s blessings. “At that point of time I was based out of London where I was working for HCL Technologies. Puja took a transfer from TCS and joined me there,” he says.
Rock star at work
A happy moment togetherThose early days of pulling together in a foreign country went a long way in nurturing their marriage, says Puja. “I mean when you are by yourselves, the sense of togetherness and responsibility becomes that much more,” she says.
“Our workplaces were at quite a distance from each other. But when I would get home each weekend, there would be dinner and a clean home waiting for me. I really appreciated that,” she shares.
However, the duo moved back to New Delhi in 2015 when Deepak’s father became ill and have lived there since. A year later, they welcomed their baby boy Ayaan (now 2) into their lives.
As of today, Deepak is designated as senior project manager with DXC Technology but is soon slated to join a leading consulting firm to start a new journey, while Puja is working as team lead with IBM.
“Each family has a way of doing things, a core culture that is based on a logic and reasoning of its own. Instead of fighting it, it is far more intelligent to approach it with positivity and try to understand your new family. No one expects you to be perfect... and are prepared to meet the changes halfway provided you are open to change”
—Puja Nagpal
The young couple lead a hectic but fulfilling life managing work, home and baby. There is a trick to managing work-life balance, they say. “Flexi hours, work from home, even working different shifts so that at least one of us is home with the child helps,” says Deepak. For her part, Puja is on the afternoon shift so she gets to share those precious few hours with their little boy before starting work for the day. What’s more, the two have leveraged the inherent strengths of a joint family to the utmost. “Deepak’s parents stay with us and his mom is a huge ally in helping us out,” smiles Puja.
Deepak says he can travel with the knowledge that both his wife and child have someone to look after them in his absence. “It is quite a comfort to know that,” he adds.
Which brings us to the question: Just how challenging has it been adjusting to a totally different culture? “See, each family has a way of doing things, a core culture that is based on a logic and reasoning of its own. Instead of fighting, it is far more intelligent to approach it with positivity and try to understand your new family. No one expects you to be perfect and well-versed in your way of life—and are prepared to meet the changes halfway—provided you are open to change,” she says.
“See, ours is a generation that wants everything on its own terms, as per its understanding. That is not how life, or the IT industry works. Step back a bit, see things from the other person’s perspective and things will be easier,” chips in Deepak.
Both are appreciative of each other’s strengths. While Deepak loves her for her caring and considerate ways, she is thankful for his support in all aspects of life, including the decision to get back to work soon after the little one was born.
As parents to a bright and energetic two-year-old, life has changed considerably. Both are sure that their priority is more towards raising a good human being rather than simply focusing on academics. “I am the more lenient, patient parent, whereas dad is stricter one,”smiles Puja. The balancing act works out—in everyone’s favour.
Quality time consists of dedicating the weekends to full-on family time and out-of-town trips. “These trips bring a family together as you relax, unwind and reconnect,” says Deepak.
However, both Deepak and Puja stress the importance of communication in not just managing conflict but staying abreast of the happenings in each other’s lives. “Deep, heartfelt conversation wherein you ask your partner how they are feeling is a wonderful way of keeping the marriage resonant and meaningful,” rounds off Deepak.
By Kalyani SardesAi
