'We've grown together'

If you were a 21-year-old woman today, marriage would be one of those things that you'd put under things to do, a couple of years later.

Prathna would probably have done the same had it not been for Vinod Adnani proposing to her.

They weren't in love but what the heck, this would not be the first time for best friends to fall in love and get married.

His side

Vinod Adnani: After my graduation, I returned to Dubai and became part of a group of friends. We were four guys and four girls, including Prathna and her brother Niranjan.

I had known Niranjan in school and for a while in college in Switzerland before I went to the US for further studies.

It was in 1991 that a family friend approached my dad for Prathna. Initially, I was taken aback.

Prathna and I were friends and the thought of marriage had never occurred to me. I discussed it with my parents, but wanted to speak to her before taking a final decision.

We found out we liked each other and having known each other for two years, we thought we could make it work.

Partner at all times

Both of us were pretty young when we got married - I was 24 and Prathna was only 21 - and we have practically grown with each other. She has taught me to be more responsible - as a son, as a husband and as a father.

She's not just my homemaker but my confidante and business partner. In fact, I hate to travel without her, on business or leisure.

Earlier, she would always accompany me on my business trips but now due to the children's school and home responsibilities she has cut down on the trips.

I can clearly say it's the best time of my life today. I am financially in a good position, the children are doing well, my parents and family is with me.

Tough times

But we've been through some hard times too. Prathna has been with me all through, supporting and encouraging. She is a great mother, a homemaker and has taken her familial responsibilities really well.

It's been 14 years since we've been married, but it seems like only yesterday. Only my two daughters make me realise that I've grown old.

Her side

Prathna Adnani: The last 14 years I've learnt a lot. We were very young when we married. At 21, I wasn't as mature as a 21-year-old today. Being a friend and being a wife is very different. But it helped us a lot and things have been good.

The thought of an arranged marriage was a difficult one for me to accept. So, when Vinod proposed, I thought why not? Even though we were not in love, we liked each other. And I felt confident that I'd be fine where I was going.

I used to be very impatient. Both Vinod and the kids have helped me calm down. So much so that the kids can now get away with murder.

Vinod keeps them in check, though. He is the disciplinarian and a brilliant father. Each day he makes it a point to spend quality time with both the girls. On Fridays, he cuts their nails (laughs).

Fantastic husband

As a husband he's fantastic. He's warm and understanding. He needs me to be constantly around him. He discusses every aspect, business or otherwise, with me.

He loves to shop for me, which has become a bit of a joke with our friends. I do for him but he beats me to it. Vinod is a very warm, loving and clear-hearted person.

As a brother-in-law, he's great with my brother Niranjan, my sister Neeti and with their respective spouses. And also with my parents.

Because of his jovial nature, they always want him around. He's extremely reliable and they are also aware that if they ever need him - at any time of the day or night - he's just a tinkle away.