As they complete a year of marriage, singer-songwriter Armaan Malik and entrepreneur-influencer Aashna Shroff describe their journey as one shaped by friendship, balance and understanding.
Despite having contrasting personalities, the couple says being best friends first helped them build a steady foundation as life partners.
Love, Romance & Valentine’s Day — One Year Later
Reflecting on what love means to them now, Armaan admits he hasn’t toned down his dramatic flair.
“I’m still over the top and cheesy,” he says. “Aashna is more subtle. Her love language is very different. She’s about gestures, while I love to bring out my guitar and serenade her.”
Aashna adds that the past year has largely been about discovering and understanding each other’s love languages. “It’s been about figuring out what makes the other person feel valued,” she shares.
A Modern-Day Love Story
Their romance began through social media.
Armaan recalls coming across Aashna’s profile and feeling an instant connection. “As cheesy as it sounds, the moment I saw her pictures, I felt something. I messaged her — and she replied a month later,” he says.
Aashna admits she hesitated before responding. “We had common friends and knew of each other but had never met. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to start a conversation, but I’m glad I did.”
Six Years of Secret Dating
The couple began dating in 2017 and chose to keep their relationship private for six years.
“We went out together, people spotted us, but we never confirmed anything,” Armaan explains. “We wanted to take it slow. We were both looking for something serious.”
Given their demanding careers — filled with travel and unpredictable schedules — balance became essential. Aashna shares that they often coordinated trips to spend more time together. “If I had work travel and he was free, he’d join me, and vice versa. That’s something we still do.”
For Armaan, the cornerstone of their bond remains friendship. “We are best friends first, and that’s the strongest part of our relationship.”
Valentine’s Day 2026 Plans
This year, Valentine’s Day begins early for the couple — with a 4 am flight to attend Aashna’s childhood best friend’s wedding.
“If we have any energy left after that, we’ll probably squeeze in a date night,” Armaan says.
Rapid Fire
Bucket List Trip Together
- Armaan: New Zealand and Japan
- Aashna: Bora Bora (after visiting Hawaii last year)
Flowers or Chocolates?
- Aashna: Flowers
- Armaan: Chocolates
Ideal Valentine’s Day
- Armaan: A spa day followed by tteokbokki
- Aashna: A relaxed first half with spa and good food
Romantic DM or Handwritten Letter?
- Both: Handwritten letter — their DMs, they joke, are filled with inspirational quotes.
After a year of marriage, Armaan Malik and Aashna Shroff show that love can be both grand and understated — sometimes serenaded with a guitar, sometimes expressed through quiet gestures — but always rooted in friendship.
