HYDERABAD: Senthil is from a typical South Indian Tamil family and is the eldest among three siblings. I’m a yoga trainer from Mumbai. My clients include actresses such as Tamannaah, etc.
No love-at-first-sight
We first met at a party hosted by a common friend, who played cupid. Even prior to our meeting, she kept telling me so many things about Senthil, and to him about me. It wasn’t anything like love at first sight. We are different people with totally different lifestyles, tastes and choices. Initially, we thought it would never work. But eventually, everything fell in place and we began liking each other.
Starting problems
In the early days of our relationship, we had so many issues that needed to be resolved. Senthil was looking for a South Indian bride and I wasn’t anything even close to that (laughs), and I was looking for someone who doesn’t belong to the film industry. But we resolved our issues before getting married. We dated for two years and in due c
ourse, understood each other and grew closer.
The big day
We got married in June 2009, during the post production of the movie Magadheera for which Senthil was the cinematographer. I single-handedly managed the entire wedding, which in itself was a big responsibility. From planning the wedding, receiving guests, and looking after their accommodation, I had to make sure no one, including my family and his family felt left out. Although my friends helped me with everything, I was nervous. Eventually, everything went well and all were happy.
Diverse backgrounds
We both are from diverse backgrounds. I’m a half-Muslim and half-Christian and didn’t know anything about Hindu traditions. I was scared and had my own apprehensions about being accepted by his family. But everyone in his family were happy on the day of the wedding, and all my doubts vanished in an instant.
A promise by the lamp post
According to the Hindu tradition, after marriage the groom is supposed to show Arundhati Nakshatram to his bride. Arundhati, the wife of Vashishta, who was one of the seven sages, was the embodiment of devotion and chastity. They are said to be the ideal couple, symbolising marital bliss and loyalty. Since ours happened in the rainy season, the sky was overcast with clouds. So, Senthil said ‘Let’s not start our life lying to each other’ and showed me a lamp post instead of the star.
A romantic adventure
Senthil has a busy schedule and is seldom free. I often complain to him on not going for a long drive with me. So, one day, we decided to go on a long drive to Srisailam. We started late in the evening and got lost in the forests of Srisailam. It was pitch dark and not a single person was to be seen. He got very tense, since we had to reach the place by 7 pm, as the forest officials would close the road after that. In spite of all these obstacles, we had a great time and it was adventurous.
Our small world in this big world
We have two children, Rayaan and Dhruva. Both of them are a reflection of Senthil and myself. Our elder son, Rayaan, is fun to be with. A six-year-old, he is very sociable and mingles with all people. Our younger son Dhruva is naughty. He’s an attention seeker and hard to please. Both of them mean so much to me and are the key to my happiness.
Increase in responsibilities
A person, before marriage, is independent and has the freedom to do what he / she wants. But after marriage, that freedom is curtailed to an extent. You tend to become more responsible for your family and kids, and tend to put themselves first.
Understood the crucial role parents play
After getting married to Senthil, I realised marriage is not just about one person. I learnt how to love a person in spite of their flaws and shortcomings. Also, after becoming a mother of two kids, the respect I have for my parents increased by leaps and bounds. Because all these years, I never put myself in their shoes and never experienced the struggles they had to go through. Now that I am a parent too, I know and understand the hardships of raising children, which makes me love and respect them even more.
Patience is key
Instead of being head-over-heels in love with each other, we faced reality and resolved our problems, keeping love intact all the while. I think that is the key for our happy marriage. It takes patience for a relationship to grow, and without patience, no marriage would work.