Miles of Smiles

If marriage is all about doing what it takes to put a smile on one’s partner’s face, newly weds Meenu Goel and Rohan Khade are certainly headed in the right direction

This marriage was tested pretty early in the day. Less than six months post her nuptials with her beau, Meenu Goel was diagnosed with brain fever and meningitis. This entailed hospitalisation and plenty of tense moments for both her and her groom Rohan. “Look at the tragedy of the situation. Here I was married to the person of my choosing with the blessings of both families. Ideally, we should have been living our best life-but the truth was far from so,” she reminisces.

The toughest moment came when she began to forget people, relationships and events-including the fact of her wedding. “Family members would sit with a photo album and run her through the details,” says Rohan. Disturbed and shaken though he was, he did what it took to take care of his young bride, following medical advice to the Tee. “Gradually, things improved and we were back to normal-stronger than ever before,” he shares.

This was just before the breakout of Covid-19. “While the pandemic and its aftermath have been hard on everyone, honestly, our period of trial and tribulation happened before that. And it bought several learnings in its wake-which can only hold us in good stead,” says Meenu.

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

A Nagpur boy through and through, Rohan first came to Pune to pursue his MBA in marketing. Degree completed, he secured a job with Grand View Research where he first met the effervescent Meenu Goel.

Neither thought much of it. Both of them were colleagues and acquaintances and that was that. However, as the wise say, some things are just meant to be. Slowly but surely, both began to talk to each other and the conversation flowed smoothly. “I realised how comfortable I was with her and how encouraging and kind a person she is,” says Rohan. “What’s more, she gives her absolute best to everything she does, be it in the personal or professional space. Besides, it’s the little things in life that are actually important and she really goes all out to make moments special.”

On her part, Meenu appreciated him for his thoughtful ways and the fact that she had such an effortless connection with him. “I was surprised to see how easily I could talk to him considering I take time to open up. But he had a way of showing me he cared through small gestures and surprise gifts,” she says.

It was a given that the romance would follow. “He said to me: I would do anything I could to put a smile on your face. Two years later, I am so happy to say, he meant every word,” she expresses.

Telling the families wasn’t that hard, fortunately, despite the cultural differences. (she’s a North Indian, while he’s Maharashtrian) “There were some concerns from my dad over the fact that she’s slightly older to me,” says Rohan. “But cultural differences were never an issue. When my dad met her, he was won over and the wedding soon followed.”

"Whether love or arranged, a marriage is about space, timely communication and understanding"

- Rohan

Moods, moments and milestones. Meenu and Rohan

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Post the marriage, the couple has been based in Pune’s Baner area. Besides looking after social media and web marketing for Grand View Research, Meenu is also a lifestyle cum body positivity blogger who urges women to celebrate themselves for who they are. “While it is a challenge to manage two profiles at the same time, I just love the buzz,” she smiles. Meanwhile, Rohan works as a manager, market research for Polaris.

Currently working from home on the backdrop of the pandemic and managing the rough and tumble of daily chores along with professional responsibilities, both Rohan and Meenu say the tough time is actually a blessing in disguise. “It allows us to spend time together and help out with each other’s hobbies,” says Rohan. “Our hobbies are our passion and a huge part of who we were.”

“He’s a classical vocalist and photographer. Music and photography are a big part of his life and I love encouraging him to push the envelope,” says Meenu. “He returns the gesture, participating enthusiastically in my blogging and writing.”

Apart from this, quality time would consist of travel and getaways, both big and small. “While it isn’t possible to travel during covid times, we’d be happy to do so once normalcy returns. There is something magical about exploring the world with one’s partner,” says Rohan.

THE MANTRAS OF MARRIAGE

• Communication
• Celebrating differences
• Pursuing hobbies together
• Owning each other’s families

BUILDING BLOCKS OF A MARRIAGE

Given that they’ve been married for two years - and dated for some time before that, what according to both, are the pillars of a relationship?

“Whether love or arranged, a marriage is about space, timely communication and understanding,” says Rohan. “When tiffs happen, do give your partner due breathing space. Then, go ahead and talk things out.”

Affirms Meenu: “No matter how tough the conversation, we have never shied away from tackling issues head-on. It helps that we are friends to begin with and enjoy a rock-solid equation.”

Besides, both love doing things together- whether it is the housework or simply going for a drive or enjoying gupshup over a chai.

How hard has it been to adjust to each other considering their different backgrounds? “Honestly, the only area where we have had to meet each other halfway is food,” smiles Meenu. “But we both are foodies and enjoy a variety of cuisines. Happily enough, I am in love with Nagpur and its rich food culture.”

Besides, she is a much-cherished daughterin- law. “Truth be told, she’s the first lady to enter my familial fold since mom passed away of blood cancer some years ago,” says Rohan. “To that extent, her responsibilities are that much more. But as they say in Hindi: Woh nibha leti hai.” (She is equal to the challenge.)

Family-oriented individuals, both Rohan and Meenu share a close bond with each other’s families. “We live in Pune with Meenu’s parents a stone’s throw away. We chill for hours together over yummy food and conversation. I am glad to say she is equally close to my dad and elder brother,” says Rohan.

“Indeed I am,” nods Meenu. “My father-inlaw is pretty much my best friend and cheer-leader. I know that no matter what the problem, I can go to him for correct advice. Apart from this, I get along famously with Rohan’s brother. Both of us are enthusiastic cooks and enjoy whipping up a storm.”

And so they continue on their journey, hand in hand, with their art and shared passion for life…

“Both of us know it’s the little moments that count,” she rounds off.

Amen to that