While we have certainly become quite modern and open about relationships these days, the fact is when it comes to live-in relationships people still like to keep their status under wraps.
But that's not the case with Kyunki Saas Bhee Kabhi Bahu Thi actors Sandeep Baswana aka Sahil Mihir Virani and Ashlesha Savant aka Tisha Gautam Virani. The couple has been in a live-in relationship for the last 14 years and they have no qualms about discussing it in the open. What's more, they don't have any intentions to get married soon!
The couple met on the sets of the superhit show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
"We were good friends and then one day she came home and never left. Even now, there are no promises. Nothing said. We just love being with each other," says Sandeep in an interview to The Times of India.
Ashlesha, on the other hand, says that she had a massive crush on Sandeep ever since she saw him!
"I had a massive crush on him ever since I set my eyes on him and I still feel the same. However, whereas earlier I used to get jealous and possessive about him, over the years I have seen my love transforming. I have now realised that love is about knowing that he is happy and content, whether with me or somewhere else," she said in the same interview.
It's better than having fake relationships and bad marriages...
Sandeep says that the reason for their live-in relationship is not because they have had any personal problems but because they don't want to be in a fake relationship.
"I come from a very stable, loving family and I've seen my parents very happy after being married for forty years. But at the same time, I have seen bad marriages and fake relationships where there is no point in two people staying together. So, right from the beginning, we decided to be together till we make each other happy. Otherwise, we will not grow as individuals." he says.
Ashlesha says that she always wanted to be in a live-in relationship.
"I used to joke that I will have a live-in relationship since the concept had become quite popular at the time. I thought it was quite cool, and then it actually happened to me. I don't need a signed piece of paper from a registered office. Security comes from within and not with diamonds, car or a marriage certificate. It comes from a connection with your soulmate. I was obsessed with him and used to get insecure when I met him as a teenager. It's no longer the case now," says Ashlesha.
A post shared by Ashlesha (@ashleshasavant) on
The couple do want to have a baby but not now.
"Sometimes, I want a baby who looks like him. But when then the realisation of responsibility creeps in, I take a step back and wonder if we are ready for it?" she reveals.
Sandeep reiterates the fact and says that she would do anything to take her happy.
"I have kids in the family, but I don't have the desire to have any of my own. Still, if she feels that she is incomplete without a baby and wants one, I will not deprive her of that pleasure. And that's the time we will have to think of marriage," he said.
To live-in or to not live-in!
While would like to comment about whether you should be having a live-in relationship or not, Sandeep and Ashlesha are definitely showing the world that you don't need to be under any kind of societal pressure to get married.
Sandeep makes a very valid point when he says, "A relationship should make your life easier. I have not told her, nor has she told me that 'I will love you forever', or 'I am going to be there for you until the end of time', but we will be together till there is love between us."
A post shared by Ashlesha (@ashleshasavant) on
Now, don't you all agree with it. Any kind of relationship should not be there just for the heck of it, but because you want it to be a part of your life. You long for it and can't imagine your life without it.
What matters is your inner happiness and if that comes out a live-in relationship, so be it!
Also Read: HC: Sindoor, Mangalsutra cannot validate a marriage
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[All Images courtesy: Instagram]