Now the world becoming smaller and communications getting easier, love marriages are not more seen as taboos anymore. People are no more amazed at love marriages. But still, there are frowned looks, curious queries and a bit of advice.
Things become even more complicated if the two people have a different religion, caste, colour, nationality, language, culture—in short nothing in common. Indian parents are still apprehensive about foreigner match.
Amidst all some couples have defied usual convention and are still together. Vivek Umrao from India and Claire Glendenning form Australia are one such couple. Vivek is an author, journalist and Claire work as Consultant with International Agencies. Both are married for past 12 years and happy.
The only common thing between the two was their passion for social work. It brought them together while they were working in Rajasthan. Both gave each other time before getting married. It was a different marriage with no band Baja or paraphernalia. But they both had done one committment—they will delay in giving birth to children and will not accumulate wealth. Instead, both will remain committed to social work. “’It was a tough decision, but it was necessary. Our son Aadi was born 11 years after our marriage. We do not have any property. We live in the society and give it all we have,” Vivek said.
Claire too gave support to Vivek. She learned Hindi to communicate with Vivek’s Indian relatives. “For us, every day is Valentine’s day. There was some apprehension from both sides, but finally, we emerged victoriously. We are living together, and love has triumphed,” Claire said.
Presently both are living in Australia with their 17-month-old son Aadi.
