The one thing most happily married couples have in common is that they treat each other like BFFs. Multiple studies on husband-wife behavioural patterns show that the couples who identify their better half as their best friend, tend to have more positive thoughts towards him/her, as compared to those who simply view them as a romantic connection. So basically, as cliché as it may sound, when Shah Rukh Khan’s aka Rahul Khanna’s answer to Archana Puran Singh’s aka Miss Braganza’s question “Pyaar kya hota hai?” in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was “Pyaar dosti hai,” – he hit the nail on the head!
While some of us believers are all about the mush, for the rest, ‘pyaar’ is a scary concept. Especially in today’s world, where most things are frivolous and flaky. When it comes to tying the knot and vowing to spend the rest of your life with another person, how do you make sure it will last? The truth is you can’t. There is rarely an absolute truth or finality when it comes to human emotions and no matter how you try to safeguard yourself against hurt, there will always be a little risk. Though we’re repeatedly reminded of how our generation is filled with broken people – wide smiles but sad eyes, we’d like to focus on the good side, today. Contrary to popular belief, there are a ton of folks who have been happily married… I repeat, HAPPILY married, and who are testimony to true love. Sure they have their ups and downs, but which relationship doesn’t?
If you’ve been second-guessing the concept and authenticity of genuine love, take a look at what these couples had to say…
1. “When I married Krissh I was doubtful about him being a good life partner. He was completely unromantic and practical and I was the opposite. However, we were the closest of friends since college days. So I trusted my friend and prayed that it works out…and it did. Even today, he is my closest friend and though I fight with my husband at times… I always forgive my friend.”
Krissh and Sanya Mehta, married since 2011
2. “Life can never go according to plan. I was in a relationship with Debarati’s friend first! And whenever we fought (me and the friend), I would call her (Debarati) and talk to her about it. We chatted over the phone so much, that slowly I couldn’t survive without talking to her. We connected well and the key was communication. It’s been 17 odd years that we are married and what keeps us happily together is discussing anything that is bothering us.”
Akhilesh and Debarati Mukherjee, married since 2002
3. “My parents wanted me to get married and setup those traditional matrimonial meetings with a dozen guys (read: their families) I, like most women who are subjected to this, was anti-arranged marriage and refused all. When my parents gave me an ultimatum, I was stressed and turned to Mihil for advice. Mihil was my batch mate in MBA classes and my sounding board. After a year of him listening to my rants, one day, he popped the question. “Look, I’m under the same pressure at home… why not we get together… I mean, marrying your friend is better than marrying a stranger, right?” I cried tears of joy! It’s been 4 years. Mihil was right.”
Mihil and Simran Bhansali, married since 2014
4. “There was no question about it! Karan and I started dating back in 2016. We had met through common friends and fancied each other from the get go! After a while, Karan asked me if I was ready to settle down, and without blinking I said, “With you? Yes!” It hasn’t been too long that we’re married, but it’s been long enough to know… for sure… that this marriage is what makes us both the happiest.”
Priya and Karan Kotnis, married since 2017
5. “Before Zeeshan and I got married there was so much drama! He’s a Muslim and I’m a Catholic. There was resistance from our families and at some point; we thought we’d have to call it off. However, our bond was so strong that we powered through it all and even though it took us time, we managed to convince everyone that for a marriage to work you need love and friendship… not religious common ground. Zee and I have grandchildren now… I still can’t believe how far we’ve come sometimes… I tell this story to them… and to my children, still. Love makes you bold and strong, you know?”
Zeeshan and Krystal Hussain, married since 1973
