LOVED & MARRIED TOO

A filmy love story will never fail to assume us. Even though we are living in the 21st century, a true love saga will send jitters down our spine. And the tale of Dr Anamika, a business and life coach and founder of Magnificent U, and her better half, Kishan Chawhan, Sailor at Merchant Navy, will make us believe that true love can conquer and surmount all obstacles. In a conversation with Corporate Citizen, these two share their love story, how they are working their marriage, raising a child and a lot more

As cheesy as it might sound, but when we asked what do you love the most about her? Kishan took a deep breath, and pat he replied, “Her smile.” It was a total ‘aww’ moment. But to keep the friendly banter alive, Anamika was quick to say, as her quirky smile enlightened the room, “Just my smile? That’s it? Don’t you love me?” So, in this day and age where life does not stop for anyone, these two shared a picture-perfect moment, giving others a marriage, relationship and most of all a friendship goal. “Such moments keep our love alive,” their voices echoed.

AND IT WENT LIKE…

So, this shouldn’t surprise you all when we say that this hunky-dory couple has also lived a filmy love story. Around 2008, Kishan was pursuing his Merchant and Navy course (Nautical studies) from a UK University, while Anamika was studying her MBA from a college in Sikar, Rajasthan. “This was before the WhatsApp era. Our love blossomed when the Internet was at its peak. Skype shortened the distance between us, and then began our testing times,” reminisced Anamika. So, how did the two of you meet, we asked? Kishan was quick to respond, “To stay in touch with my sister Arti, we used Skype. However, one day, when I typed my sister’s name, a cute name popped up Anamika Rose. Strangely, I felt a connection just by reading her name. After consistently messaging her, finally, I received a ‘Hi’. Well, that’s how we meet! And as sweet as her name sounds, Anamika is just like a rose adventurous, pure, and full of humility and surprises.” As Anamika hails from Bihar, taking the last name isn’t necessary, to complete all formalities for creating a Skype account, Anamika added her last name as Rose.

TESTING TIMES

Short messages turned into long conversations, and within no time, they had fallen for each other. “In just a few meetings and conversations, we were sure that we are meant to be together. He is emotional, street smart, not at all money minded. In short, he is my Mr Reliable,” she praised Kishan. While further adding, “And the best thing is, he loves me,” they burst out into laughter.

In early 2010, when Anamika put her best foot forward for planning Kishan’s sister’s wedding, she had already impressed the Chawhans. However, Anamika’s parents were against this marriage. “Unfortunately, we both belong to different castes because of which, her parents were against our marriage. However, we were not going to give up that easily. We both moved heaven to earth to persuade her parents. Sadly, we could not convert their no to a yes,” said Kishan.

What signed the deal for Anamika was when Kishan went out of his way to make her birthday special. “Just after a few months of knowing each other, it was my birthday. Kishan took plenty of effort to send a bouquet of orchids and a teddy bear. Sending a cake wasn’t possible as this parcel was going to be shipped from Jaipur, and as Sikar is quite far, there were chances that the cake would go bad. This gesture made me realise that he will go to lengths to make me happy,” blushed Anamika.

During these testing times, what made their love prevail was their faith in each other. “Amidst all this hoopla, Anamika was firm on her decision to marry me. Come what may, she was not going to budge. Her mettle through all this had made me fall in love all over again,” he smiled. Listening to all this, a teary-eyed Anamika burst into a sweet smile. While both blushed, we were assured that when two people love each other, they will find a way to work things out. Anamika and Kishan tied a knot twice once in 2010 as a court marriage, and again in 2011 when they celebrated their love for each other in a grand style in Mumbai.

- Anamika

THE MANTRAS OF MARRIAGE

Kishan and Dr Anamika Chawhan with
their lovely daughter Kaya

WORKING THY MARRIAGE

Anamika is keen on having her space at times, and Kishan respects that. As their work-life is poles apart, the times when Kishan is away on his sailor duties, they both get time to reflect on the situations. “Our work keeps us busy and we love our profession. In a year, Kishan is on the sea for almost six months. Time apart does not mean that we are avoiding each other. These brief periods of solitude recharge our batteries and allows us to offer more to this marriage,” explained Anamika. Kishan agreed too, “Staying apart from each other for a while gives us enough time to work on ourselves. We not only get our work done, but the moments we miss each other prepare for our great meet. When on duty, I make it a point to inform her about my day. It’s nice when she knows what I am doing.” Courtesy of their house help, the two can easily concentrate on their work.

When the two hit a rough patch during a fight, they make sure to sort it out before going to sleep. “I like to discuss and resolve our fights. Instead of settling our argument at home, going to a café or a restaurant to discuss it is always a good option. Outside, we both are conscious, however, while resolving the fights at home, it is easy to take each other for granted,” Anamika explained.

According to Anamika, Kishan is not only mature and emotional, but he also a great chef. “The other day I got to know the secret ingredient of his lip-smacking biryani - its love,” she blushed.

BEING PARENTS

In 2013, the two welcomed a baby girl and which brought them even closer. Kaya, seven, is a true reflection of her parents witty and composed. “Raising a child is a work of art,” the two agreed. Anamika advised, “When a couple is on the same page, parenting can be a smooth sail. Fortunately, our views completely match on how we should raise Kaaya. After a long day at work, when the three of us come together, it makes me want to frame this moment for life.” To add to that, Kishan informed, “Modern parenting is using all the family’s unique passion and beliefs to raise a child to be good. More than anything, we want Kaaya to be street smart.”