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
Married for a little over three years, Noida based corporate couple, Anwesha Roy and her better half Yagyesh Narayan, are gearing up for a little time apart-even as Yagyesh has recently given up his job as a consultant at KPMG to pursue his MBA in Germany, which he says, would be the perfect corollary to his mechanical engineering degree. Sure, the separation is not without challenges, but both are on the same page when it comes to mutual progress even at the cost of a bit of sacrifice. On her part, Anwesha, who is employed as an executive assistant at Deloitte is happy to support his dreams
Come football season and Yagyesh Narayan dedicatedly watches the highs and lows of Chelsea Football Club every weekend. You’d think his wife Anwesha would crib over the same but that’s not the case. In fact, in her own words, she “completely understands his need for space and his happy to give it to him.” She more often than not joins in for the important games with her own Number 8 Frank Lampard jersey.
The understanding is amply reciprocated when she says that for the moment it’s all about career and finances, and so any plans for babies can wait a bit. “Having lost my father early on, I had to take up a job pretty soon to support myself and mom. As a result, now that I am more relaxed, I’d like to explore all the opportunities available to me-both personally and professionally. I don’t ever want to have regrets and say that because I had a baby, I could not do such and such thing”, she adds.
Yagyesh couldn’t agree more. “We don’t want to have children for the sake of having them. We will have them when we are both ready and Anwesha has my support in matters big and small, just as I have her backing to do as I wish-be it pursuing my MBA abroad or watching football.”
It is precisely this mutual respect and quiet maturity that is the cornerstone of their relationship.
And to think that this equation almost didn’t happen. In fact, it started off on a footing of mutual suspicion and on Yagyesh’s part, dislike.
"With a little adjustment, maturity and co-operation, it is entirely possible to co-exist with affection and respect"
Cultural differences can be a celebration believe Anwesha and YagneshThe year was 2010 and both were working for different companies that happened to share the same campus. Naturally, using common facilities was given. Both would nod at each other in the lift-but the conversation wasn’t happening. As things stood, Yagyesh had heard of her from her former love interest and the picture wasn’t a flattering one. Anwesha did not bother to change his opinion.
But constant proximity and frequent meetings finally got the words flowing. Yageysh discovered he had been completely wrong about this wonderful girl with whom he was quite easily compatible. Though different temperamentally they got on very well indeed. To top it all, she was reasonable, patient and understanding about his likes and dislikes.
As far as she was concerned, Yagyesh had been The One she had waited for. “Like I said, I had lost my dad early and had to become responsible pretty early in life. So my husband had to be a strong, reliable person-someone I could lean on, someone who would be my ‘Go-to’ person come what may. I found all of that and more with Yagyesh,” she shares.
Unfortunately, the families weren’t as agreeable. He’s a Bihari; she’s a Bengali and both sets of parents had their reservations with regards to the wisdom of the match. “I have three sisters while Anwesha is the only daughter. While my dad worried about the social repercussions, her mother worried about her losing touch with her Bengali roots.”
That said, both understood their parents’ stance. “His dad felt pressurized while my mom felt doubly responsible for anything going wrong in the absence of my father. Had dad been alive I know for sure that she would have been the one who would have rooted for me the most,” she smiles.
But, family, friends and their own patience prevailed. Both stuck it out and eventually the families relented. Once again, there was much debate about the ceremonies, rituals and what all was necessary. While the couple wanted a simple court marriage, both set of parents were insistent on making it a grand affair. But things gradually fell into place and the wedding cum reception in 2016 was a winning combination of both tradition and individual wishes. “In short, everyone had their way over what they valued and cherished the most and the ceremony was a happy and memorable one,” says Yagyesh.
So was it really such a big deal for the duo to have married inter culturally? “With a little adjustment, maturity and co-operation, it is entirely possible to co-exist with affection and respect,” they say. In other words, it’s all about give some and get some.
While Anwesha is happy to eat the traditional vegetarian fare that is typically prepared in brahmin households in North India, Yagyesh completely backs her right to enjoy her favorite time of the year-Durga Pooja-her own way, complete with all the non-veg fare she loves. “I have a fine equation with my in-laws. They love me like a daughter,” says Anwesha.
Given the pressure of their work, fights do happen, but the trick, both agree is to accept the peace offering made by the partner. “For example, Anwesha just gives me a hug, indicating we ought to move on from that space. A formal apology isn’t her way. And that works,” says Yagyesh.
Quality time consists of watching Netflix-and fussing over their dearest acquisition: two adorable kittens who are source of much laughter and joy in their lives.
“As of now, they are the only little ones we have,” rounds off Anwesha even as Yagyesh smiles in agreement. The upcoming separation bothers them-just a bit-but the two are sure to savour the moments they have together and hope for the best.
As someone old and wise said: It’s the little things in life that are actually the big things.
By Kalyani Sardesai
