They met in Philadelphia, courted in London and tied the knot in India. That’s industrialist Peter Punj and wife Sonali. Peter was studying business administration in Lafayette College, Pennsylvania, and Sonali was doing a course in fashion designing and marketing at the American College in London. But she frequently hopped across the Atlantic to spend weekends at her brother’s home in Philadelphia and that’s where she met her future husband. After four years of marriage, they say they are still in their ‘honeymoon phase’. In fact, they insist that there’s never a dull moment and that’s partly because Peter is such a bundle of energy. “He is always on the go,” says Sonali.

Togetherness is their watchword, they both say. Whether it’s chilling out at a pub, sun-bathing on the beaches in Koh Samui or watching the sunset on a private island in Greece, they love doing it together. And the only big area of disagreement is their choice of food. Sonali loves tucking into traditional Indian food and that’s a no-no with Peter who loves his steaks and salads. But then, Sonali has figured out the way to her man’s heart and has enrolled for a Cordon Bleu cooking course in London. Ever since then, she has been rustling up one sumptuous meal after another ? all for her husband.

Peter:

The very first thing that I noticed about Sonali was how quiet she was. She was reserved and spoke very little. And unlike most girls, she did not seek attention. I found that unusual and liked her for that. I met her at her brother’s place and I caught her staring at me a couple of times. Sometimes after that first meeting, when I went back to college, she would call me. That’s when I realised something was happening between us. Later, we made sure to be at her brother’s place. Once she came even though her exams were going on. But we never really got talking until I invited her and a friend for a day out at my beach house in New Jersey. We spent hours talking that day. Later, it was in London that we really got to know each other ? walking the streets and going for rides together. We kept our affair under wraps for months until we moved to India. One day, I took her to La Rochelle and proposed to her.

Now, as a wife, she is special to me in more ways than one. She understands me and has taught me the art of patience. Besides that, she has a calming effect on me. Her needs are simple and she’s realistic. I once asked her what she would choose given a choice between a jet and a dog. She chose the dog. That, incidentally was my last Valentine’s Day gift to her in Thailand during one of our holidays.

Now, as a couple we are learning to do everything together. When we opened our nightclub, Climax, it was Sonali who trained the chef and took charge of the menu. Most importantly, I know that she’ll also make a very good mother.

Sonali:

There’s never a dull moment with Peter around. I admire his energy. He’s always on the go and ever ready to move from one place to the other. For instance, he’s the kind of guy who can head straight out for dinner even after a long, hard day at work.

It has been such fun with him. He’s also a strong person to have around. It’s difficult to feel low around him. Somehow, his positive attitude and energy has rubbed off on me. This has been the biggest influence that Peter has had on me.

What I also really admire about Peter is that he is very loyal to his friends and that, I think speaks a lot about the person he is.

What has kept us going is our ability to understand each other. Despite minor differences in our choice of food and habits, we have learnt to accept each other as individuals. And when you do that, there’s respect in a relationship. I always believe it’s the little things that matter in a relationship. That’s why, once in a while, I like to record old songs for Peter.

We also understand each other’s need for space. Even though we go the gym together, we do our own activities. I am into swimming and going to the gym while he plays tennis. What has kept our relationship special is the fact that we do not miss our holidays together. We are frequently out on vacation. And when you spend that time alone together, it’s special and unforgettable.

There’s also a lot of humour in our relationship. I remember when we were courting each other, he would always be joking. That’s why when he proposed me, I didn’t take him seriously. I thought he was joking until he made me speak to his parents. Peter is always cheerful and full of life.

Photograph by Rupinder Sharma