Growing together, in life and at work

A couple that builds together stays together. Recently married but firmly invested in their respective visions, Ajinkya Ranade and his significant half, Gautami Havele-Ranade, on the joys of self-employment and being married to someone who understands them well

A typical day for this couple begins with the buzz of their own dreams whirring and taking off at a high speed. Despite the highs and lows of the ride, both vouch for the fact that there’s nothing quite like being in the driver’s seat of one’s own enterprise.

While Ajinkya is a first-generation pharma exporter who carries out doorstep delivery of Indian manufactured medicines for people in countries like the US, UK and Australia, Gautami is taking the baton forward for her family business. “My father started an investment management company in 1992, the year I was born in. Ours is a BSE listed company in hospitality and trades in financial instruments,” she expresses.

He has an MBA in International Business even as she is pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science post her BCom. He’s from Nagpur while she’s a Pune girl all the way. But like others of their generation, this bright, ambitious and like-minded couple met over the Internet. The conversation flowed easily, there was a spark worth probing and it was time to meet.

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

Despite a positive start, neither of them was looking to rush anything. “We really wanted to get to know each other well,” he says. Long conversations at coffee shops followed longer conversations over the phone. A few dates later, both were in love.

A classic case of opposites attracting, the differences in their respective personalities only served to complement each other. “He’s a go-getter, the quintessential risk-taker. I, on the other hand, like to have a plan and be on sure ground. To me, someone like him who lives life and pursues his dream without fear is just so refreshing,” expresses Gautami.

On his part, Ajinkya with hitherto mixed feelings about romance and marriage realised that far from being a hindrance in any way, his equation was Gautami was helping him grow at work as well as personally. “She is meticulous and thinks things through. She also taught me the importance of going that extra mile in caring for other people’s feelings,” he says. If dating her could bring about so much positivity in his life, marriage would be a win-win.

It was the time to take the relationship to the next level. Despite the fact that he seemed so sure, his mom was sceptical as to whether he really meant to put a ring on it. “She thought me to be notoriously choosy, difficult and undecided and her doubts persisted—even though I asked both her and dad to make the trip from Nagpur to Pune,” he grins.

It was only when she met Gautami’s parents did she realise (to her joy) that her son was dead serious about marriage.

With the blessings of both sides, the duo was duly wed amidst much feasting and celebrating in January 2021. “We were lucky that the first wave of the pandemic was behind us and rules were a little less stringent. Thus, we were able to have our parties and pre-wedding ceremonies without breaking any rules,” shares Ajinkya.

The wedding celebrations were a fine blend of old and new—in keeping with the duo’s individuality. Both chose the décor and their clothing, with much attention paid to every last detail.

In a firm departure from tradition, the couple had a pre-wedding party with alcohol. “Coming from a traditional Marathi brahmin background, such a thing had never been done by anyone before in my family,” smiles Ajinkya. “But my family was so sure of my judgment. They felt that since I had never gone wrong thus far, I could be trusted to make my choices,” he smiles.

"To my mind, marriage is about completing each other. It is about being able to rely on the other person to fill on for your shortcomings and help you do better"

- Ajinkya

THE MANTRAS OF MARRIAGE

• Shared dreams and passions
• Complementing each other’s differences
• Balancing home and work
• Communication

Ajinkya and Gautami

BUILDING BLOCKS OF MARRIAGE

Life is hectic but happy with both Ajinkya and Gautami going full steam ahead with their professional lives. Even so, it helps to have each other’s back from day to day. “At the end of the day, we both love to unwind with a glass of wine and some Netflix,” says Ajinkya.

Quality time also consists of celebrating life’s big and small moments with a warm circle of like-minded friends in Baner, Pune.

While there have been a few adjustments post-marriage, Gautami says that harmony is all about not burdening each other with too many expectations. “I am really grateful that his family isn’t ritualistic and conservative and both of us have the freedom and space to live our lives with their good wishes and support,” she says.

Given that their relationship is about a year old (including the courting period), what according to both, are the pillars of a marriage? “To my mind, marriage is about completing each other. It is about being able to rely on the other person to fill on for your shortcomings and help you do better,” says Ajinkya.

Gautami, on her part, believes a happy married life is all about balance and keeping work stresses away from home and hearth. “This is something I have always seen my dad do,” she says.

Like every couple, they have their share of fights. But both are mindful of not letting differences persist. “She is very mature that way. When fights happen, instead of meting out the silent treatment, she is persistent about making up, apologising and moving on. I really appreciate that,” he says.

ENTREPRENEURIALLY YOURS

Ask them what advice the duo would have for budding entrepreneurs and Ajinkya is quick to quip, “Hey! We are not yet at the point to give anyone advice. We could use some ourselves.”

Modesty apart, he would concede that starting a business is all about knowledge and timing. “Before starting my business, I worked for a pharmacy firm, where I learnt the ropes of the industry,” he said. “After having worked for a few years, I realised that there was no point in delaying the plunge. If I wanted to start my business it was best to start soon,” he says.

And that’s how his entrepreneurial journey started at 25. “Looking back, I am relieved that I chose to start out when I did. It not only ensured financial stability but also meant that I could devote enough time to my wife and marriage. When you delay a professional journey, it ends up having an effect on your personal life. But when your work is on track, everything else falls into place,” he says.

BRINGING UP BABY

Married for a little over six months, it isn’t that surprising that neither wants a baby just yet. Even so, they don’t plan to wait indefinitely. “As I said, there is something called as timing. The biological clock, too, is something to be respected. So, in about two or three years, we would be ready to start a family,” says Ajinkya. And when that happens, Gautami is absolutely sure she would be able to achieve a balance between parenting a baby and her business simultaneously with Ajinkya rooting for her all the way.