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 of 27, corporate couple Prateek Mathur and Pragya Jha are about to complete a year of marriage. Here they are, sharing with us the transition from being college sweethearts to a just-married couple
He’s based in Mumbai, while she’s working in Pune—and it’s not yet been a year of marriage. Despite the stresses of holding jobs in two different cities, Prateek Mathur and Pragya Jha are revelling in the afterglow of being just married, as well as the promise this glorious period represents.
Quickly enough, they have worked out for themselves the futility of quarrel and conflict and have decided instead on making the most of the weekends together—from sharing a late home-cooked Valentine’s Dinner to watching their favorite Bollywood movie. And they have their eyes on the larger picture—this is but a temporary arrangement until they can live together.
A part of the 2013-15 batch of BIMM, both have degrees in marketing. He’s from Alwar, Rajasthan, while she’s from Bilaspur, Chhatisgarh. As it happened, friendship came first. From taking classes together to sharing an early breakfast before classes, it was a classic case of opposites attracting. He’s reserved, quiet and patient. She, in her own words, is ‘hyperactive’, outgoing and impatient. Someone who wants it all right now.
“But he’s the voice of patience and reason; so it all works out,” she grins. “So many couples who start out together don’t make it to marriage, but he’s grounded and positive and we complemented each other.”
Despite the rigours of classes at Balaji, they were together a lot. Gradually, love blossomed and Prateek proposed to her. “She did not respond then and there,” he reminisces. “But a little while later a call came from her hostel room. It was a yes.”
There were the parents to be convinced though. He’s a Kayastha, and she a Brahmin. Luckily though, despite both sets of parents being conservative and culturally rooted, they were open minded enough to give their children’s chosen one a chance. “The parents met each other at the convocation. Both families liked each other and were ready for the next step,” he says.
Both were duly wed in May 2017 in Nagpur, where Pragya’s parents are based.
"Couples in the same phase as we are ought to realise that careers are being built, one’s spouse can be away a lot. Each partner must support the other, and also cut them slack. Don’t make an issue of absences and long hours"
—Pragya Jha
As of today, Prateek is senior brand manager with Reliance Wealth Management in Mumbai while Pragya is deputy general manager Bajaj Allianz Insurance. Life is busy, hectic and with all the struggles that accompany the initial days of work life. But neither is complaining much. Weekends are for togetherness, and shared moments. Admittedly though, things can get stressful when both live in different cities. “It’s always nice to have your spouse on hand. But when you live in different cities, it does not always happen,” expresses Prateek. “For instance, we went through a slightly stressful time when she was down with dengue.”
“The thing is though, Prateek is the sort of guy who is always there for you,” shares Pragya. “I am very lucky that way. “And yes, he did take leave to be there for her.
“Couples in the same phase as we are ought to realise that careers are being built, one’s spouse can be away a lot. Each partner must support the other, and also cut them slack. Don’t make an issue of absences and long hours—instead savour whatever moments you are granted together,” said Pragya.
Romance and surprises are important, but these days it’s a gentler version as compared to those heady days in college. “But on the whole, things don’t feel very different from the time we were courting,” says Pragya. Perhaps it has something to do with the long years of dating each other—and a relationship rooted in friendship. Perhaps it also has to do with his wonderful voice—and the fact that he can dedicate one romantic number after the other to her. “That was one of the highlights of our college days. He would take part in music competitions and usually win them too.”
Both are ambitious and driven. However, Pragya is quick to point out that he is also very supportive and evolved as compared to other men. “I am a career woman. I need to grow and do well on my career,” she says candidly. “But he’s hugely supportive of everything I do. What’s more, he is very hands on when it comes to household chores.”
Prateek is equally appreciative of his young and effervescent wife. “She’s very strong and determined. Whatever she’s doing, she makes it a point to give it her best and doesn’t relax until she has achieved her target,” he says.
Fights are inevitable—as they are in every marriage. “But the important thing is to step back a bit when things are heating up,” he says.
So who is the one to apologise first ? “Oh, it’s him,” laughs Pragya. “And I am the one to get annoyed, whosoever is at fault. But he’s loving and conciliatory— and usually the first to apologise.”
Though they haven’t yet had ‘the’ talk yet—as in the prospect of starting a family— both are pretty sure that marriage and career can and do go hand in hand. “I am all for Pragya continuing to work after baby. Any breaks and time-offs need not necessarily be taken by her,” rounds off Prateek.
By Kalyani Sardesai
