LUCK BY CHANCE

From Washington DC to San Diego: Here’s a love story across the coast

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

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

PS: Here’s a 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 – and no 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. 

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.