Through thick and thin

Mrunal Jain — a popular face on the small screen thanks to shows like Hitler Didi and Uttaran — was introduced to Sweety, by a common friend of their families — with the sole intention that they’d get hitched! And that is just what happened.

Their love has only grown with the passage of time, Mrunal and Sweety told us. In this chat, the couple discuss their journey so far.

Mrunal, Sweety, how did your paths cross?
Mrunal: Our families met for the first time through a common family friend then they introduced us. In the first meeting itself, I found her very amiable. And the rest is history.
Sweety: As you know, ours was an arranged marriage. We met through a common family friend and things just clicked.
 
So, was it love at first sight?
Mrunal: No it wasn’t love, but it was definitely a strong connect at first sight. At the very instant that we met, I felt that she was the perfect girl for me, and for my family.
Sweety: I guess our love gradually deepened as we got to know more and more about each other.
 
Was there a moment when you both decided ‘Chalo ab shaadi kar lete hain’?
Mrunal: It’s difficult to describe what that moment was like. I can only say that the instant we realised we are soulmates, we just decided to take things forward.
Sweety: For me, the moment was one that evoked mixed feelings, of both excitement and fear. [Knocks on wood] But things have turned out really well in our case. There have never been any regrets whatsoever.
 
Was the transition from being friends and then lovers, to life partners, smooth?
Mrunal: There were a lot of ups and downs. But Sweety stood by me like a rock, in every situation. I am very lucky to have her as my better half. In today’s times, it is really difficult to get a wife like her.
Sweety: Since it was an arranged marriage, in our case the situation was reversed. We became life partners first and then lovers. It takes time to grow and I’m so glad our relationship has grown beautifully.  
 
What makes your relationship work?
Mrunal: Frankly, Sweety has made it work. At times, I used to give up but she never gave up on me. She understands me so well. She has given me everything that I ever wanted from my partner. It is because of her efforts that this relationship has survived the test of time and will last forever.
Sweety: Well, I think understanding from both sides and the ability to communicate has made our relationship work.
 
Does marriage in any way push friendship out of the window? What’s your take on this?
Mrunal: I am very lucky that even more than a wife, it was a friend that I got, in Sweety. I can share anything in this world with her. She is mature and caring. So I don’t think marriage ruins the friendship in any way.
Sweety: I feel the bond of friendship becomes stronger with each passing day. Life partners have to be friends first, only then does the marriage work.
 
What’s one thing you like about each other and one thing you dislike?
Mrunal: Even when I have the most heated arguments with her, she is always quiet, even though she is right. That’s what I like most about her. She never raises her voice or disrespects me. I don’t like it when she cries and I dislike the fact that she always cries because of me.
Sweety: I like the way he takes care of me, and I don’t like it if he lies.
 
What are the relationship do’s and don’ts you swear by?
Mrunal: Your wife should be your priority because she leaves her home and family and comes to you. There are only four things your partner ever needs: Love, affection, attention and understanding. Give her that in abundance and you will be the happiest man in the universe. Never ever break your partner’s trust; she will forgive you, but she will never forget. Never disrespect your partner. Be 100 per cent committed to your partner.
Sweety: We’ve always been beside each other through the highs and lows, we wouldn’t leave each other alone in any situation. We have never been disloyal to each other, never lost our trust. These are simple rules, but they ensure our relationship is strong.  
 
Is there a special memory about your partner that brings a smile to your face even now?
Mrunal: Sweety once collected all the articles featuring me and created a collage for me. When I see it, it always makes me smile.
Sweety: Our first Valentine’s Day after our marriage was truly special. Mrunal left no stone unturned to make it memorable. Even now when I think of it, it makes me smile.

Rapid fire:

Nicknames for each other:
Mrunal: I call her Gudia.
Sweety: I call him Bittu.

Your most memorable date:
Mrunal: When I was shooting for a Valentine’s sequence on my show, I requested the crew to keep the set as it was. After the shoot got over, I rushed home and fetched Sweety. We celebrated Valentine’s Day on that beautifully decorated set. The experience was lovely.
Sweety: The candlelit dinner we shared on Valentine’s Day has been my most memorable date.
 
Your ultimate romantic getaway:
Mrunal: Maldives, because I love beaches.
Sweety: Yes, Maldives. Sitting by the beach hand in hand and sipping coffee!

Song you hum for each other:
Mrunal: Tumse Hi (Jab We Met)
Sweety: Kabhi Jo Badal Barse