""

Luck by chance: From San Diego to Washington DC

Matchmakers are not Gods. We can only orchestrate. And when two people are in sync and ‘in tune’, we can celebrate – not ourselves – but the opportunity to change their lives in a happier way.

We started 2019 on a high note. While we’ll keep sharing the special announcements – one of our recent favourites is the story of Shamita* and Aakash.

PS: Here’s another unbelievable, crazy fun fact that Shamita can’t believe herself sometimes – Aakash was the first (and last) guy she met on Sirf Coffee.

Your first thoughts about each other.
Aakash: Our first phone conversation lasted 90 minutes (!). We had never met, but Shamita is that one person who you can chat with, for hours. I couldn’t wait for our next conversation.
Shamita: He came across as balanced, calm, and confident guy. It was nice.

Who do you think set the ball rolling?
Aakash:
I’d like to take the credit here (laughs). I planned a trip to DC within couple of weeks of our first interaction.
Shamita: It was definitely Aakash. He was proactive, determined eager to get things going. And I’m glad he did.

When you’re in two different cities, a relationship moves at a very different pace. How did you keep it going?
Aakash:
We spoke to each other regularly and yet our conversation never started with, “How was your day?” There was always something new to talk about – it was effortless. We ensured that we met at least once a month.
Shamita: I think the distance helps, at least in the initial stages – when two people have their own space and yet look forward to the other’s visit. Aakash and I have managed to meet at least once a month, sometimes twice, despite the travel across coasts.

At what point did you know that you’ve met ‘the one’?
Shamita: It was a series of small things – thoughtful gifts, great conversations, low pretence and direct conversation, without gender stereotypical expectations. He once did the dishes in my apartment without me asking him to – he could see it was a busy day and I was hassled. We often cook together and have discovered more sides to each other on a couple of short trips. His patience and open mindedness are truly assets that have been hard to find, for me at least.

Aakash: When I heard her cry over the phone for the first time, because of something I’d done. The emotions were so pure. In that moment, I felt a connection which I don’t think I can accurately express in words.

How have you evolved as a person in the course of your relationship?
How have you evolved together?

Aakash:
Our professional lives and our social circles are very different in nature.  I think both of us have grown by virtue of being exposed to this multitude of personalities and experiences.
Shamita: I think this is an on-going process. So far it’s showing on our waistlines with all the eating out and drinking. (laughs) On a more serious note, it has not only made us both self-aware and tolerant of each other’s differences – but also taught us to appreciate where we come from.

 

 

Interviewed by Noopur Pal

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.