A token of love

Divyanka-Vivek, fondly called as “Divek” by fans met on sets of ‘Ye Hai Mohabbatein’ and cupid struck them. Their love culminated into marriage recently. In a freewheeling chat the newly-weds share their journey of love…

What did your parents think your relationship?
Divyanka: My parents liked him a lot when they met him for the first time. Vivek was very shy initially but in the span of 2-3 hours he became comfortable. We were in Bangalore on my birthday and my parents took Vivek’s interview again (laughs). Although I was part of it, I was quiet for most of the time.

My parents told us that our egos should not come between us and our professionalism should detach from personal lives. We promised our parents that ego clashes will not happen between us. That’s when they approved the marriage. On my birthday, my sister and Vivek gave me a surprise. He decorated my room with lots of candles. He stood with a ring and proposed to me for marriage.

Vivek: When I told my parents about her, they said that they don’t want a star “bahu” as they don’t want any stardom tantrums from their daughter-in-law. They were not very sure about her. I took my time and told them we don’t (Divya and me) want to rush things.

We will only go ahead when we will be clear about the fact that we can share rest of our lives together. My parents have always been very supportive of my decisions. When they met her I stood outside for 2-3 hours and was trying to hear what they were discussing. By the end of it, they were satisfied with their “hone wali bahu”.

Share qualities that you admire about each other and something you would like to change in each other?
Divyanka: I like his truthfulness. He is loyal. He knows how to judge people. He takes the best out of me. He makes me grow as the person. He guides me very well. I don’t want him to change. I accepted him the way he is.

Vivek: There are a lot of qualities in her that I admire. She is extremely grounded despite the stardom she carries. She always goes out of the way to help people. She is deeply rooted with her and my family. She is affectionate towards my family. What duties a husband need more than this? I don’t want her to change. She is perfect for me.

What are the biggest adjustments you made from being single to married?
Divyanka: I’m still undergoing those adjustments (laughs). We don’t have enough space for our clothes now. We are still adjusting our wardrobe. I won’t call them as adjustments. In fact, I’m enjoying the changes. Before marriage, I was unable to call my parents due to busy schedule. But now, I make it a point to call my parents and also my in-laws. It’s a beautiful and welcome change.

Vivek: Nothing. There are no adjustments. When two people are living together you have to be considerate to each other. These adjustments are made by every married couple. I’m not saying one should be answerable to other, but it is courteous to let the other person know about your whereabouts. For me its just my lifestyle thats changed. No adjustments.

Do you like the moniker “Divek”, which your fans bestowed upon you?
Divyanka: They made us “Divek” at the time when we were not even seeing each other. This is how it started actually. Fans spotted us in a group birthday party picture. And they cropped our picture together and christened us “Divek”. The hashtag “Divek” actually changed our lives.

Any fond memories from your wedding?
Divyanka: Dancing with Vivek. When I was dancing with him on stage I was too shy. It was really different. At the time of engagement when we exchanged rings that feeling was so beautiful. I have done that umpteen times on television. But doing it for real is a feeling that you can’t express. It gave me goosebumps.

Vivek: Our wedding happened recently. I did not forget anything. We did not see our pictures too because everything is still fresh. We danced like crazy people. Everyone thought that we were on drugs. But that much happy we were. Sangeet was a big affair and marriage was so blissful too.

What do you believe is necessary to keep the romance alive post-marriage?
Divyanka: It’s important to live your life too. When you keep yourself happy, then only you can make others happy. Constant support and love are important.

Vivek: Being transparent. Nothing should be hidden from each other. Be like best friends. Share everything. Make your partner your personal diary. I blurt out everything that happened in a day.

One thing about your partner that fans do not know?
Divyanka: Fans might be aware. But the boy doesn’t know (laughs). He studied Law and Business in the UK. He is a well-educated person. He worked in a call centre, pizza place, warehouses, etc. He did all those jobs while studying there.

People have not seen the real Vivek Dahiya. Once they start seeing the way I see him, he will be accepted in a very different way. He just started his career. “Abhi tho party shuru hui hein” (laughs). He has a long way to go.

Vivek: More or less her fans know everything about her (laughs). She is the foodie. She likes desserts like me. She loves watching movies and is extremely adventurous.