For whom the bells toll

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 over year years, Bengaluru based corporate couple Akanksha Chaudhary and Ankush Bhatia make a strong case for shared values, open conversation and equal shouldering of responsibilities at home. All the better to progress at work as well and in life with the stability of a rock-solid partnership

This couple has an unusual way of resolving fights. Whenever arguments escalate or voices are raised and the cold war ensues, one of them takes it upon themselves to go to their little devalaya and ring the bell. “This is a cue for the other to cease with the hostilities,” grins Ankush.

“Whatever the issue, it is important to keep a cool head while dealing with the matter on hand.”

A simple motto that is standing Akanksha and Ankush in good stead even as they make the most of the enforced nationwide lockdown on the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. “This is a time to rewind, reconnect and regroup,” says Akanksha. “The challenges at the workplace differ from industry to industry but they have nevertheless, got to be faced.”

It helps to have her best friend and husband on the same page as her. “We both thoroughly enjoy our work and are committed careerists. To that extent, we believe in giving each other due space to take on the pressures that come up,” says Ankush.

While Akanksha is the Sales & Marketing head for JSM Corporation for Hard Rock Cafe India, Shiro and Asilo, Ankush has been working with IBM for over a decade now. In his own words, he is “in love with his role in Global SCM Transition” and thoroughly enjoy the travel and meetings that it entails.

On her part, Akanksha, a seasoned marketer today, made an unusual start to her career in the Merchant Navy, after completing her marine technology. “Back in the day when everyone was motivated to become a part of software engineering career paths, I wanted to explore something unique, which led me to the discovery of the Merchant Navy programmes (with a plus side of great travel); but over a couple of years, I realised that I missed home too much. Besides, I was still ready to learn a lot more,” she says.

That’s when she completed her MBA (marketing) as brand management was a topic that interested her greatly.

Back to the beginning

This love story was first scripted at the wedding sangeet of Ankush’s school friend. One look at this lovely, winsome lady with the long hair and pleasant smile and Ankush was smitten. “I was so taken by her and wanted to know who she was,” he says. “I found out that she was my friend’s younger sister’s friend.”

Even so, the friendship took its time blossoming. The duo first became Facebook friends and gradually started chatting. “It was wonderful to note that the conversation flowed seamlessly and we had a lot to talk about,” she says. The common ground would include career goals of their own, a shared love of travel, adventure and making the most of the day. While he admires her for her intelligence and focus, she is appreciative of the fact that he is kind and helpful across the board. “He is quite simply a nice guy,” she says. On his part, Ankush says he loves the fact that she laughs easily, most particularly at his jokes. “I guess it means I am funny,” he grins.

While both took their time getting to know each other, there was no explicit conversation on the subject. “It was kind of understood that marriage was in the offing,” grins Akanksha. “My mother had an idea about him and there were no issues from the parents’ side as well.”

“When life’s ups and downs happen, it definitely works in the relationship’s favour to be in love with your spouse. Of course, love is not something that happens at the click of a button, it has to be present”

- Ankush

The mantras of marriage

• Open channels of communication
• Sharing mundane chores
• Respecting each other’s qualities
• Laughing together

Let the good times commence: Akanksha and Ankush
at their wedding celebration

The building blocks of a marriage

Life is hectic and busy given that the duo lives by themselves in a nuclear set up in Bengaluru. Both travel quite a bit. Despite this, neither one is complaining about the stresses of managing home and work all by themselves. “Honestly, marriage feels no different from the time that we were dating,” says Akanksha. “We share the responsibilities and understand each other when we have to work long hours. Video calls definitely help.”

Quality time would include vacations and yoga sessions. “I am someone who enjoys staying as fit as possible and post-marriage Akanksha joins in as well,” says Ankush.

Akanksha concurs that the fitness bug is something she is happy to have caught from him. “I am not really a morning person so it took some getting used to. However, exercising together is a wonderful way to bond and work towards a common goal,” she says.

Given that they have been married for four and a half years, what according to them are the pillars of a marriage? “Most people would say trust, but I think that trust should be inherent to the equation. Why should it even be explicitly discussed?” says Akanksha. “I would say respect and appreciation are hugely important. Acknowledging the little and big things that your partner brings to marriage is important. It keeps the relationship alive, meaningful and vibrant.”

On the other hand, Ankush believes that when you love someone everything falls into place. “When life’s ups and downs happen, it definitely works in the relationship’s favour to be in love with your spouse. Of course, love is not something that happens at the click of a button, it has to be present,” he says. “And with love, companionship is also a part of the equation. Things become so much easier when your spouse is your friend as well. I do realise that this isn’t how marriage necessarily works for a lot of people-heck, some of them find it hard to adjust with the demands of a spouse. But I sure am glad that Akanksha is first and foremost, my buddy. She understands when things don’t always go according to plan when work keeps me away...she doesn’t pressurise me at all.”

Both believe in sharing the duties of the household without bothering too much about gender-specific roles. “I make a good cup of coffee and am quite the handyman to help out with laundry and stuff,” laughs Ankush.

Bringing up baby? Err, not quite yet

While the two have been married for some time and have friends with children of their own, they aren’t willing to be rushed on that score. “A baby is a huge decision,” says Ankush. “And honestly, I don’t see that on the cards for the next two or three years,” he says.

For the moment, it’s just the two of them and some shared dreams.