By Chantalé Fletcher
MARRIAGE is no easy road but to get love, you have to show love.
This according to Rajwantee Ramlakhan, 83, who celebrated her 69th wedding anniversary with her 91-year-old husband Rambharose on Monday.
Rajwantee shared her secret to a happy marriage and relationship with AZP News.
She said, “Always be content, have patience and come to an understanding. To get love, you have to show love.
“However, when you want peace, you sometimes have to give in at times and with God’s help, it is always better.”
The two Libras became one. Rajwantee was born on September 24, 1938, while her husband on October 2, 1930.
An everlasting love
Rajwantee at 14 years did not how her life would change in an arranged marriage to Rambhasoe who was then 21-years-old.
Feelings of confusion and fear. She told AZP News that a bus driver had spoken to her grandfather about Rambharose and both parents then set up everything.
And in three months’ time, they wedded on Saturday, May 9, 1953. This was the first time she had seen her husband.
Rajwantee recalled crying every day and asking her mother why she had to leave home at 14.
She explained this pattern continued long after marriage and it took some time to accept her new life with Rambharose.
“It was only when I had my first child Parbatie at 17 years then I understood I had to grow up now. However, I received tremendous help from my in laws who they had lived with for some time.”
Rajwantee admitted that her husband was and still is very handsome. However, as a young couple, she still took a while to understand him.
She said he does not like to argue with him whether she is right or wrong.
“My husband never raised his hands at me, I never got licks. Instead, we grew to understand each other day-by-day and I learned not to argue too much,” Rajwantee added.
Waves of marriage
Rajwantee said in the beginning, Rambharose did not have a regular job, so it was difficult starting off the family and even wanted to look for work to help out.
However, Rajwantee said, he told her “No way!”
He told her, “Do whatever work you want at home. Don’t go, things will work out, have faith.”
And she never worked outside her house.
Rajwantee said her husband always placed them first, showing them love and kindness.
She said they lived a simple life even after he got a regular job as a watchman, and 13 years into the marriage he bought a car.
Rajwantee said her husband sent her for her driver’s license and she became the first female driver in Ramsingh Trace, Rochard Road, Penal.
Asked how she felt about Rambharose now, she said, “Our love for each other continues to grow daily.
“And now it’s even better, he always had patience but now he has more. He doesn’t ask for nothing neither complain.”
Rajwantee said, she grew up in a peaceful home and was fortunate to have the same for her marriage. She said, “Rambharose always told me, it’s your family and my family but now we have become one family.”
She said people should be kind and respectful to their in-laws, as it can go a long way.
Rajwantee also credited her upbringing and parents for the woman she is today.
She also encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunities, learn and put things into practice.
A blessed couple, they remained thankful for life and the ability to celebrate another year together.
Rajwantee said Rambharose was still active with no ailments except “a little weakness so I help him bathe.”
She added, “And as for me, my joint pains act up but I take medicine for it and don’t let it overpower me.”
Close-knitted village
As devoted Hindus, the couple instilled the importance of God into their children which was especially evident with their son Vishnu becoming a pundit.
Rajwantee said he conducted services which also helped changed the village.
Although in her yard, the temple also belonged to the village as neighbours, family and friends helped to construct it.
Rajwantee was thankful for her four children Parbatie, the oldest followed by Vishnu then Vashty and Beesham.
And now in their golden years, God has blessed them to see their future generations of nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
When asked about advice for couples, Rajwantee said, “Let God take the wheel.”
She said, “You have to make ends meet, have respect for one another, be contented, have patience and try and make your marriage work.”
A celebration with Family
Rajwantee said their anniversary celebrations were simple but well spent with all her family, except Vashty who was in New York.
“My grandchildren helped me get dressed, from makeup to jewellery. My husband and I really enjoyed ourselves.”
She added her daughter Parbatie decorated the place, her son bought a cake and they cooked food and had a party until midnight.
