Eight months ago, they were barely speaking to each other despite being in the same serial Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. But when they met sparks flew and now the much-in-love couple is bethroted. Their fans may not get to see the couple romance each other on screen, but here the onscreen Ishita and Abhishek tell us how they were swept away by love. Over to Vivek and Divyanka…
What was your first impression of Divyanka/Vivek?
Vivek: We were in the in the same show but we never interacted with each other. I had not done any scenes with her for a long time, but I could guage by her body language and from people around her that she was respected as a performer and a person. Always draped in a sari, I thought she was the Tulsi of today.
Divyanka: I had done a small scene with him and we were barely speaking to each other. Since I had no intention of having a relationship with him, I did not give him much of a thought.
Vivek do you still think she is Tulsi of today?
Yes. Apart from that she is a cheerful, positive person, who brings liveliness on the sets. She is a lot similar to Ishita on screen.
After meeting each other how soon did you decide she/he was the one for you?
Vivek: When a co-actor suggested that Divyanka and I should meet as both of us were single, my first reaction was ‘What!’ I had never thought of having an arranged marriage because I feel in today’s times you need to take your time, know a person and not rush into it. But he insisted that we at least go for a coffee and we did. We had met with the perspective of seeing other as a life partner and in the first meeting itself I was largely convinced that she is the one for me. But I decided not be hasty about it.
Divyanka: The first time we met, the breeze of love had started blowing and by the third-fourth meeting it had taken us by storm. I realised we are meant to be together. Vivek is a positive person who pulled me out of a major low that I was going through.
Weren’t you apprehensive that this would be a relationship on the rebound for her?
Vivek: No, I never feared that. We all go through heartbreaks in life and that is normal. I also had one heartbreak. Divyanka is wise and sensible and I know that she will not take the biggest decision of her life without thinking through. This was not a casual fling or a random affair that we were getting into. I feel it was a bonus that she had had a long term relationship because a heartbreak teaches you a lot. It gears you up for the next big thing which is marriage. I am somewhere glad that she had a past as she has evolved as a human being.
Divyanka: No. Both of us had been in a relationship earlier, so we knew this was for real and not something on the rebound. We decided there was no use delaying this beautiful relationship.
What attracted you to her/him?
Vivek: Divyanka is very pleasant, positive person and I need that. I cannot handle negativity, possesiveness and restrictions. She blows me away while her smile – She has the best smile ever! I also love her eyes which show the willingness to commit. And the way she makes me feel when she is around is just great. We talk highly of compatibility but there is something beyond that which is underrated and that is the willingness to make it work, to be patient and give space to each other. These are major attributes for a successful relationship and she has all that.
Divyanka: He is a very decent, polite, well-mannered guy unlike the industry people or actors around me. He is chivalrous and knows how to take care of his lady amongst his family and friends.
What has been the romantic thing he/she has done for you?
Vivek: There are many small things and everyday with her is romantic for me. But the most romantic would be the day she cooked for me. It may sound like a common thing, but I know how busy Divyanka is and I value it. We were supposed to go out for dinner but she called me over to her house. When I went, she had laid out a nice dinner comprising paneer, dal, an egg dish and more. There was no need for her to do it because she has a person to cook. Also, after a 14 hours shoot she could have taken it easy and slept, but she chose to cook for me. That really touched me.
Divyanka: Whenever we meet, it’s romantic, but yes the most romantic thing was the day when I went to his place. I saw a beautiful photoframe with my picture in it. He had clicked the picture some time, which I wasn’t aware of. He had also written a love poem in Hindi and I am sure for a guy who spoke Londonwali English it must have taken a lot of effort. That time I was sure this is the man for me aur koi nahi ho sakta!
What is the best gift she has given to you?
Vivek: If you ask me material gifts, it’s fitbit, a sports watch which keeps track on your activity and hearbeat. I am not conscious about my diet but I am a fitness freak and this was a thoughtful gift.
Divyanka: He has given me several gifts and just before Valentine’s Day he gifted me three dresses and I am sure there will be something in store even today!
Did you plan to propose to her in front of her family or was it a spur-of-the-moment decision?
Vivek: I had decided to propose to her on her birthday but in a different way. I wanted to hire a super car like a Ferrari, take her on a drive and propose to her in style, but that didn’t work out. So, the next best thing I thought was to propose to her in the presence of her family.
Divyanka: He proposed to me on my birthday December 14, last year. We had gone to Bengaluru together to visit my family and it was the first time he was meeting my parents. Just before the cake cutting, I saw Vivek standing with this beautiful T-Shirt with ‘Marry Me Diyvanka’ written on it. He told me ‘you have everything, but you need somebody who will be committed to you for life. I promise I will never hurt you and keep you happy all your life’. He had a ring in his hand. It was the most beautiful experience of my life. To do something like this in front of my family took a lot of guts and I was zapped. If it was a daily soap, I would have had tears in my eyes and said something. But for the first time I was speechless, I didn’t know how to react. I was completely swept off my feet.
Did she say yes immediately?
Vivek: No, she was flabbergasted and speechless. I had to get an yes out of her. Since I was down on one knee, I asked her are you sure you want to marry me, will you marry me. She just went ‘a a a’ and I asked her is that a yes, and she said it is.
Where would you like to go for a romantic holiday?
Vivek: Bali, Maldives or the Carribean islands. I want to go to an island where nobody knows us and we can have a good time by ourselves.
Divyanka: I have been to Kashmir and it’s beautiful. I want to go there again with Vivek. I also would like to Bali, Maldives, and New Zealand. Since we both love travelling it shouldn’t be difficult. (laughs).
How are you planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Vivek: Well, I have planned a surprise for her so I can’t tell you. But we have taken a holiday from work and will be spending it together for sure. (Smiles)
Divyanka: I like to be surprised, so am looking forward to it.
