Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan’s ‘Marriage Story’

the current situation that we all are struggling with, even a small ray of hope is enough to keep us afloat. I know it’s extremely difficult to look past these gloomy days but then hope is our biggest weapon and as long we have love in our hearts nothing is beyond our reach.What our future holds for us is not in our hands right now. And the present is the only thing that we can and we all should concentrate on. Maintaining sanity and peace of mind during these testing times is a task and I am sure we all are trying to achieve it by doing things that bring pleasure to our heart or keeping oneself surrounded by positive things. Amidst all the depressing news that we are coming across these days, the story of Sussanne Khan temporarily moving in with her ex-husband Hrithik Roshan brought a huge smile on my face. I am sure many of you as well must have felt happy for this ex-couple.Last year, most of you must have watched Noah Baumbach’s compassionate and gut-wrenching film ‘Marriage Story’ featuring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. And after reading Hrithik and Sussanne’s decision to temporarily live together amidst the pandemic for the sake of their kids, I somehow ended up drawing parallels between their fairytale love-story and the consequent separation with that of the protagonists’ of ‘Marriage Story’.In Indian society, separation is always associated with ‘end of happiness’ or beginning of loveless life. People dread the tag of divorce and most of the times compromise for the sake of their children. But isn’t it nice to see two people not having any kind of animosity between them despite their decision to end their relationship?Why is it so hard for us to believe that the end of a marriage/relationship always has to be on bad terms? Two mature people, who know they are better off as friends rather than a couple, can bring so much to the table while co-parenting their kids. Imagine the kind of peaceful atmosphere they can raise their kids in. No hatred, no animosity…. a home where only love, respect and understanding is given priority.Hrithik and Sussanne’s love story was straight out of a true-blue romance film. Despite the religious difference, they made sure to never let anything come between them. After two years of dating, the actor tied the knot with the already established interior fashion designer Sussanne. Also, Hrithik had become an overnight sensation post the release of his debut film ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’. Together they made for the most drop-dead gorgeous pair in the film industry.They were blessed with two sons, Hridhaan and Hrehaan and then out of the blue came the reports of their divorce after almost 14 years of marriage. Being a Bollywood fanatic, their separation came as a huge shock for me. I am sure you all must have felt the same for their story was an epitome of a perfect relationship for usBut over the years, look how gracefully and maturely these two have handled their relationship when it comes to co-parenting their sons. On several occasions, both of them have clearly said that raising their sons together is their number one priority. And much to their fans’ dismay, they have even set the record straight that there’s no chance of reconciliation between them and they will continue to be there for each other and respect each other no matter what.Post their divorce, together they were snapped on several dinners and lunch dates with their common friends. Going for vacations together, attending each other family’s functions and parties. Doing everything in their capacity to make their children know that they will be there for them no matter what. Just like any other divorced couple, they did experience their share of up and downs and faced come controversies as well. But as usual, they made sure there was no bad blood between them.While sharing the news of Sussanne moving-in with him during the lockdown, Hrithik had shared a wonderful and poignant message and by just reading that you know where their mutual respect and admiration for each other comes from. The ‘Super 30’ actor’s heartfelt message read, “It is unimaginable for me, as a parent, to think of having to be separated from my children at a time when the country is practising lockdown.It is heartwarming to see the world come together as one in this time of deep uncertainty and possibility of months of social distancing and potential lockdowns for several weeks perhaps. While the world talks about humanity coming together, I think it represents more than just an idea especially for parents sharing custody of their kids. How to keep their kids close to them without infringing on the right of the other who also has an equal right to be with his/her children. This is a picture of dear Sussanne (my ex-wife), who has graciously volunteered to temporarily move out of her home so that our children are not disconnected indefinitely from either one of us. Thank You Sussanne for being so supportive and understanding in our journey of co-parenting. Our children will tell the story we create for them. I hope and pray that in order to safeguard the health of ourselves and our loved ones, we all find our way to express love, empathy, courage, strength with an open heart ❤️(sic).”