So how did the first couple of the Indian Air Force meet for the first time? Ask Naik and he quips, "Well, that's a very touchy question. We had no idea of each other's existence."
Madhubaala recalls fondly, "My cousin was getting married to an Air Force officer. It was at her marriage that someone suggested him for me to my father. "
While Naik was still unaware of this Madhu's father went to Bidar to see his would-be son-in-law. "It was only after one and a half week that he could gather courage to come and see me. We liked each other and since then there has been no looking back."
Naik recalls how he managed to catch a sneak peak of a beauty spot at Madhu's left cheek, "That was the first thing I noticed in her, as I was only able to see her left profile. It was a typical household set-up where parents were sitting, so that was it. "
While it was a mole for Naik, for Madhu it was the charm of getting married to a smart, tall and dynamic fighter pilot. Of course, men in uniform have always been the first choice for women today and tomorrow. "The zest to do something for the nation, their valour and at the same time their humility just take you off your feet," accepts Madhu.
Naik quips, "My parents were never really sure about what kind of a girl I would choose for me but since I already had chosen one I wrote to them and their reaction never came because they were very far off. I asked Madhu's dad if I can take her out."
"We met his mum in Pune where she was very happy to see me and accepted me readily she was also very forthright to tell me that getting married to him means you'll have to be on your toes all the time, have to be very independent and take care of everything. She asked whether I could drive and handle banking. I said that I'll learn if there was a need. We got married in January 1977," rouges Madhu.
It was only after marriage that she started sinking in what it meant to be a wife of an Air Force officer and Naik considers him very lucky that he got Madhu as his saravagun samppan wife. Madhu reminisces, "I was very excited to set my new house while he told me that this is my pay scale you need to manage in the said amount. We went for shopping and he had a scooter then.""I can still recall Madhu loaded with two bags sitting behind me. Unable to manage all groceries I kept some with at the rear. She handed me a broom to carry while I drive which was also tickling my nose. An Air Force officer carrying a broom, it was awkward then but now when you think of these moments they bring smile on your face. Full marks for Madhu as she has been understanding and always acknowledged that service to the nation comes first."
Madhu always kept in her mind that Naik's first, second and third love was flying and was content even if she was somewhere down the line. "I almost managed most of the things even when we were continuously on the move. I started adapting to the ways of the Air Force; he also used to give insight to normal air force get-together etiquettes. While it was a good learning experience moving from one place to another, I also had to look after children's admission, paper work everything but for once I felt his absence when our elder son was to appear for NDA and he was not around. But he always made sure that he spends quality time and does not bring work home."
As the lady of the house, Madhu made sure that the environment at home is completely eased out. This also reflects in her poise and calm attitude.
She says, "I believe that every individual has its own space. There is mutual respect and unconditional love for each other. Every individual has a different ideas of his or her life and it is when you emerge those ideas together we may call them a perfect couple." Naik adds, "There is nothing called perfect couple. It is about that how well you manage the imperfection of each other. It is important to know the capabilities and limitations of other person. Once you realize that you stay within those reins and you tend to grow together. Unless the couple fights and has difference of opinion, unless each one has different interests and are complimentery you cannot work as a couple. I don't believe there is anything perfect couple but I always respect ideal couples."
Naik gives an impression that Madhu is the boss but we could only guess that how important is Chief's opinion for Madhu as she eagerly looked forward to hear from Naik after her answers. It is true that after a point expression speak more than words, "yes it does, but words are also important. Communication is the key to a wonderful marriage", adds Naik.
They still go out for movies, shopping and can watch TV when the remote control is in Madhu's hand and they love to spend time with each other. If you go by the Naiks' way you don't love qualities but you grow in love with the person. It is true that love is a mountain hard to climb but for Naik and Madhu the view from the top is beautiful and every moment of their journey is worth to be cherished. Probably this is why we call marriage a journey to become a perfect couple indeed!
