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A decade of bonding
Saturday marks a milestone in the life of former Team India cricketer Pragyan Ojha. It is the tenth anniversary of his marriage to Karabee.
The bowler says because of the lockdown, they are not planning to celebrate the occasion in a big way. “Personally, I would love to celebrate!,” he admits, and shares that four months ago, the couple had planned a trip to a destination he did not disclose. “But since that is not happening now, we have collaborated with an NGO and have decided to feed the needy,” he says, adding that he would start the day with a pooja at home.
At a time when relationships are fragile, maintaining charm and poise as a couple for a decade is commendable. According to the 33-year-old cricketer, compatibility is what has kept the marriage alive. Ask Ojha what this milestone means to him, and he replies, “I think this landmark is a reflection of the beliefs and values we share as a couple. I’m glad that our bonding went from strength to strength over the years, and I am looking forward to celebrating many such milestones.”
“Mutual trust, transparency and being open to criticism is what worked for us,” he explains, adding that spending adequate time with the family also helped them understand each other’s choices. “Since no two people’s opinions are always the same, the challenge is how to make our partner understand and sort out issues,” he adds.
“The best thing is, the marriage gave me a lot of stability,” says the cricketer. “Because of the added responsibility, I was able to stick to a specific schedule and life was a lot more disciplined,” he explains. “Getting the right partner will help you not to get carried away with situations,” he stresses.
The couple was blessed with a baby boy last September. The doting father reveals that everything else has taken a backseat ever since. “The most important thing for us as a couple is how we take care of the baby (Yohaan), because it is important to set the right example,” he says. Pragyan, who played 24 Tests, 18 ODIs and six T-20 matches, announced his retirement in February.
Asked how retirement is treating him, he says, “This coronavirus has taken over everything. I am hoping that things will improve soon. Currently, I have taken up commentary and I may think about coaching assignments later.”
On his wife’s reaction to his decision to call it quits, Pragyan reveals that she does not interfere with his cricketing decisions. “Karabee understands that I need space when it comes to cricket; we talk a lot and she understand the kind of pressure I take,” he elaborates.
Meanwhile, what’s on the menu on the milestone anniversary? “I too am waiting for the answer,” the left arm spinner grins. “My mother has been planning some special dishes,” he says, and drops a broad hint – “I am fond of mutton and prawn pickle with rice.”
“Mutual trust, transparency and being open to criticism is what worked for us. Since no two people’s opinions are always the same, the challenge is how to make our partner understand and sort out issues. The best thing is, the marriage gave me a lot of stability.”