Running mates for life
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
Fitness enthusiasts Anshika and Keshav Manik Tahla believe in wellness of body, mind and soul. A shared passion for running marathons, yoga and organic farming keeps the young couple motivated
It was a proud moment when runner Keshav Manik Tahla ranked first from both India and Asia in the recently held Backyard Quarantine Ultra, a worldwide competition that encouraged athletes to keep running and keep fit in the constricted spaces of the lockdown. “I clocked in 222 km over two days of running non-stop on my terrace taking only minimal breaks for essentials,” he shares. The proud moment is shared by his better half, Anshika, a fitness trainer and nutritionist.
The couple wed two years ago and it has been smooth sailing since given their mutual love of promoting wellness as a lifestyle. What’s more, their career choices reflect this only two well. An entrepreneur at heart, Keshav doubles up as a plywood manufacturer and organic farmer. This, when he is not running marathons and motivating others around him to keep fit. “I truly believe fitness does not start and stop at working out in the gym, lifting weights or simply running long distances. A healthy lifestyle is one that takes into account one’s diet as well,” he expresses. Which is why he had no qualms about giving up his corporate corporate career as a banker with HSBC and Citibank and becoming a full time entrepreneur.
To that end, he grows cereals, pulses and sugarcane on his family land in Yamunagar, Haryana (in the vicinity of Chandigarh). “Farming is a tough job, but an essential one. It is also something to be immensely proud of. True enough, farmers are not given their due despite being the backbone of an agrarian country like India. But things are changing… especially when educated people get into it. Coming from a family of farmers, though, it was the natural thing for me to do,” he says.
Even as she educates people on flexibility, strength, stamina and holistic wellness, Anshika is equally committed to the cause.
"The saying goes that unlike poles attract. However, Keshav and I are really similar people who could be a mirror image of each other”
- Anshika
Back to the beginning
This love story was first scripted in a gym in 2016 even as Anshika (then Kanika Manocha) was heard telling fellow gym goers that she wanted to run but did not have a mentor to take her through the grueling process of building the stamina and tolerance associated with long distance running. Keshav, a fellow gym goer agreed to help her out. “And that’s how I ran my first marathon,” she reminisces. “He was my coach and mentor, and I really looked up to him. He is painstaking and passionate about his subject and that is something I really look up to.”
It wasn’t long though before both realised that they had lots more in common. “The saying goes that unlike poles attract. However, Keshav and I are really similar people who could be a mirror image of each other. We have the same attitudes towards life, relationships, troubleshooting, working towards goals etc,” she shares.
So much so that he began to call her Ansh (which in Hindi means a part of one’s self.) “From Ansh, my name became Anshika, the feminine equivalent of the name. Besides it also assimilated a part of my original name Kanika,” she smiles.
It wasn’t long before they discussed marriage.
“It seemed like such a natural and seamless progression of the relationship,” she says.
Besides being Punjabis, the educational background was similar too. “We have both completed our MBA from Delhi,” she says. “His MBA is in finance, while mine is in marketing and sales. On meeting him, my parents absolutely agreed with my choice and gave us their blessing,” she says.
THE MANTRAS OF MARRIAGE
- Compatibility
- Shared values and dreams
- Respect
- Cherishing the little things of life
"We enjoy the little things, our needs are minimalistic. These are our priorities, apart from spreading the message of fitness for one and all"
- Keshav
The building blocks of a marriage
Post their nuptials, the couple lives in a joint family set up with Keshav’s parents. Driven and passionate as they are about their goals, they are firm about keeping a healthy balance between work and home. Besides, both Keshav and Anshika value the institution of family very much.
“Relationships are about give and take, love, affection and duty,” expresses Anshika. “And so, the adjustment has not been too tough. When you accept people and are committed to them, the going becomes happier for all.”
Besides, she enjoys cooking, looking after their home and managing her fitness training sessions as well. It certainly helps that Keshav is a supportive and hands-on partner, who helps out with the grocery, shopping and chores.
Given that they’ve both been married for two years, what is their take on the institution of marriage? “Compatibility is the key to pretty much everything,” says Anshika. “Also, space−especially, when your partner expresses their individuality. Don’t expect everything to be as per your wish list. Be graceful enough to respect the differences. When you have this understanding, most things fall into place.” While Keshav would add respect and trust to the list.
So yes, fights happen but very rarely. “Like I said we are actually very similar. Our friends joke that we ought to be siblings instead of husband and wife. The humorous aspect of it apart, this really minimises the conflicts,” grins Anshika. When the rare argument does happen, Keshav is the pro-active and mature one, helping take stock of the situation.
Quality times consists of treks, running and holidays. “Besides our vision for life is pretty similar,” says Keshav. “We enjoy the little things, our needs are minimalistic. These are our priorities, apart from spreading the message of fitness for one and all.”
Bringing up baby (not quite as yet)
“No, we haven’t had ‘The Talk,’ yet,” grins Anshika. “Becoming parents necessitates absolutely readiness of will and vision. When that happens, we will be happy to welcome the little one into our family. “As of now, we are happy as we are,” she rounds off.