MADE FOR EACH OTHER: Winners Neelam and Amit Sureka with children Anant and Sejal at Afraa

He likes her simplicity and she likes his frank nature. Amit and Neelam Sureka were announced winners of Valentine Magic, a three-day contest organised by City Centre Salt Lake and New Town, in association with t2. On Tuesday, the Surekas, married for almost 12 years, beat the other seven couple finalists to emerge victorious. t2 caught up with the duo for a love chat over dinner at Afraa...

When and how did you meet?

We had an arranged marriage. We first met with our families way back in February 2000 and glanced shyly at each other.

What was your first date like?

Our first date was on February 14, four days after we got engaged. It wasn’t really planned but we went to Taj Bengal.

So you believe that arranged marriages are successful?

Yes, definitely. But the final call was ours. Arranged marriage has given us the most beautiful life, better than what we could have imagined and with the blessings of God, we have two beautiful kids (eight-year-old Anant and five-year-old Sejal) who complete our family.

What do you like the most about him/her?

Amit: Her simplicity.

Neelam: His frank nature.

One thing you wish to change about him/her...

Amit: Her tendency to be tense about almost everything!

Neelam: His smoking habit!

A promise you would like to make to each other today...

(Looking into each other’s eyes)

Amit: I promise to try and reduce her tension. I will even try and smoke less.

Neelam: I will listen to all that he says.

Has Amit gifted you anything on V-Day?

Neelam: Yes, a pair of tights and a casual top from Puma.

A memory you would like to share...

We lost our first baby at eight-and-a-half months. That was a very tough time for us. We, however, got over it with the birth of Anant and Sejal (they give a tight hug to their two little ones).