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This Valentine’s Day was a surprise for two readers who answered a simple question to win some exotic prizes. DIVYA THIAGARAJAN

High school sweethearts to a going-to-be-married couple in a month, they’ve stood the test of time. Vanitha Gelada and Hitesh Parekh won the ‘Get Cupid’ contest, an initiative of The Hindu NXg and Red Consulting for Valentine’s Day. Answering the simple question, ‘What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?’, made it special enough to win a luxury Benz drive (sponsored by Globus) to Anushka Salon And Spa for a makeover, shopping at Globus and a lunch at Fusion 9. Here is how the duo got to spend their day.
D-Day!

They were picked up in a white Mercedes Benz and were treated like celebs on this special day. The first out of their gift hamper was a makeover at Anushka Salon and Spa, T-Nagar.  Vanitha was given a light mahogany hair colour with a haircut. The stylist also added a few curls to give it bounce. Minimal make up with the smoky eye look, she got a ‘She looks like a Barbie girl’ from her beau. Hitesh had a hair cut sans the funk, and minimal make up as well. The best part was that they could go back any time for their facial, which was a part of their package. The entire package costs around Rs. 11,000.

At Globus, they shopped with gift coupons worth Rs. 2000 each. It was sweet to see the couple argue over buying for the other first instead of themselves. Vanitha went in for some tunics and tops while Hitesh wanted her to get a dress. The perfect way to end their day, a romantic lunch at Fusion 9, with scrumptious broccoli starters and then a pizza and pasta finished off with Brownies and ice cream.

Chronicles of love

Their love story wasn’t one of the easy sorts. Families opposed secret meetings and phone calls to a final okay and what not, now they are all set to be married on April 14. Ask them what kept them together: ‘Our Love’. In an attempt to test their understanding, we had a rapid fire session of about 10 questions and they got it all right. Hitesh and Vanitha say the best way to keep love intact is by understanding, trusting and adjusting with each other down the lane. The gala day ended with an ‘I love you!’

Rapid Fire 

Best moment:

• Hitesh: A bike ride from Queensland in pouring rain and making sure she reaches on time.
• Vanitha: Our engagement.

Describe the other in a word:

• H: Sweetheart
• V: (My) Life

Best V-Day gift:

• H: A six-page written love letter.
• V: The first kiss on my cheek.

Hitesh wanted this to be a surprise! Here it goes… Vanitha, he still remembers the non-water fast you had for him when he was sick and he treasures you as his most precious possession. Hope you’re glad Hitesh!
Divya is a first year M.A. Communication student at MCC.

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