of love

An exemplary love Kirit and Meenakshi Kapadia

Kirit and Meenakshi my parents began to look for suitable partners for me. My first glance of my future life partner, also a doctor, was in March 1968, in Lucknow. It was love at first sight of Shakespearean proportions. My request to take Pavita out to a movie was conditional that her brother accompanied us: kabab men haddi! I returned to Amritsar, but our romance blossomed while our families settled formalities, and we were married on December 9, 1968. Our honeymoon was at freezingpoint in Nainital, but when has cold ever triumphed the warmth of love? We frequently visit Nainital to re-live those romantic moments. Soon, we were blessed with a son and were also lucky to be granted immigration to Australia.

Kapadia’s grandson Akshay describes the romance between these two simply spoken and good at heart people, who will readily give a needy the shirt from their backs.

My grandparents, who I call Aja and Aji first met in Mumbai on January 1, 1970. Tragically, they were given no time to get to know each other and since it was an arranged marriage, they were married by January 5. In comparison, I would like to know my future wife for four years than just four days, before agreeing to tie the knot.

Well settled into our respective careers, we were blessed with another son, which cemented our commitment to the other. We travelled to every nook same apartment block in Mumbai, soon became friends and some twenty-eight years ago, we married. We migrated to Australia 20 years ago, and to settle down in our new country of choice quickly, I gave up specialised Italian cuisine where I loved to see Nandita enjoy my cooking, in favour of public service.

Pavita has been a dutiful daughter-in-law, a devoted mother and a perfect soul-mate to me which no other woman, in a million years, would match. Without her personified motivation I could never have achieved professional success, and we raised two sons in education and music. We enjoy holding social gatherings of lovers of Indian music at our cottage, and Pavita’s cooking skills equal her affable demeanour. Even as seniors, our togetherness attracts enviable comments. I hope in the years to come, the Almighty will strengthen us to love all and continually serve our community. Jasbir and Pavita Bedi are a treat to be with, friendly and never presumptuous. Jasbir is Vice President of Indian Senior Citizens Association (ISCA), and Pavita complements his endeavour in serving the community.

A ceramic artist, Nandita has floated exhibitions of 15 Australian ceramic artists to New Delhi in 2006 and 2010. We share many interests such as gardening, travelling around Australia in motor homes, and entertaining friends with innovative and therefore we love and respect the other, avoid controversy and with each passing day, we keep getting closer. In consequence, every day is Valentine’s Day to us. Not just us, but our daughter and son uphold our adorable Indian culture. Since we are now Aussies, we equally regard the culture this beautiful country bestows upon us.”

A famous German saying goes: “Ich will mit meine frau alt werden!” (I want to grow old with my wife). Nilesh Nadkarni appears to live this saying, with wife Nandita.

Tragically again, their honeymoon was not a typical honeymoon in the true sense of the word. In 2012 parlance it was an anticlimax, for seven killjoys including Aja’s parents and other family members, trailed along with them. This alone speaks volumes of the non-romance in their early lives together.

My Aji is a traditional Indian wife who still listens to her husband, respects his wishes and cooks curry and roti for him every night, but their love for each other drips from their postures every minute. They are simply two good people, such as those who lived during Ram Rajya. Their two daughters and three grandchildren find their love quite exemplary.

Valentine’s Day may be a special day for romance, but I see my grandparents express romance silently to each other every single day of the year!