In any relationship, small mistakes are inevitable, whether it’s a cooking mishap or a forgotten errand. Recently, Sudha Murty, renowned author and philanthropist, shared a heartwarming and humorous story about a time she made a simple error while preparing a meal for her husband, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. The story resonated with many, shedding light on the couple’s deep respect and understanding for each other.
Sudha Murty and Narayana Murthy appeared together on The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show, where they joined Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal and his wife Grecia Munoz. During the episode, Sudha fondly recalled a moment when she had cooked a meal for her husband and forgot one crucial ingredient—salt. As she narrated, Sudha expressed how she felt when she realized her mistake. “One time, I accidentally forgot to put salt in the food. Murthy sahab was eating the food. When I asked him how it was, he said it was good. But when I tasted it, I realized I hadn’t added any salt,” she shared with a smile.
What followed the cooking error was a moment of love and patience that spoke volumes about the understanding between the couple. Sudha confessed to asking her husband, “Why didn’t you tell me?” to which Narayana Murthy responded with a simple yet touching reply. “He said that since I had taken time out of my busy schedule to cook, he didn’t want to complain,” Sudha recalled.
This story, though lighthearted, offers a glimpse into the dynamic of their relationship. Despite the occasional mistake, there’s a clear sense of mutual respect and kindness. Narayana Murthy’s decision to avoid complaining about the meal, even though it lacked a key ingredient, highlighted his appreciation for his wife’s effort and the thoughtfulness she had put into preparing the food. Rather than focusing on the small imperfection, he chose to focus on the larger picture—her time and effort in making the meal.
The story also reflects a broader understanding of how couples navigate daily life together. In any partnership, there are bound to be moments of oversight or small mistakes, but what truly matters is the way partners support each other and how they choose to respond. Narayana Murthy’s response was an example of choosing kindness over criticism, understanding over disappointment, and gratitude over fault-finding.
Sudha Murty’s story touched upon something many people can relate to—the idea of putting love and effort into something for your partner, only for a small mistake to overshadow it. Yet, rather than letting it become a source of tension, she and her husband showed how love can soften the impact of those little imperfections. It’s a testament to the value of maintaining harmony and the importance of showing appreciation for the effort that goes into every small action in a relationship.
The story also reveals a glimpse into the humble nature of Narayana Murthy, who, despite his status as one of the most influential business leaders in the country, demonstrated a simple, considerate approach toward his wife’s mistake. His decision not to complain about the flavorless food spoke to a deep sense of respect, care, and the prioritization of his partner’s feelings over a minor inconvenience. It’s a reminder of how sometimes, the little things—the gestures of kindness, understanding, and patience—are what strengthen relationships and make them more enduring.
Sudha Murty’s recounting of this moment also underscored the importance of communication in relationships. The simple question of “Why didn’t you tell me?” pointed to the couple’s openness with each other, something that is often key to navigating even the smallest of issues. The couple’s lighthearted exchange about the meal serves as a beautiful example of how even in the most mundane of moments, the foundation of love, respect, and understanding is built.
This story also reveals how a small moment in everyday life can carry deep emotional weight. It’s easy to overlook how small gestures—like cooking a meal or acknowledging your partner’s efforts—can make a significant impact on the bond between two people. Narayana Murthy’s decision to keep his thoughts to himself, despite the obvious mistake, shows the emotional maturity in their relationship. Instead of pointing out the flaw, he chose to acknowledge the love and care Sudha put into preparing the meal.
For Sudha Murty, this moment wasn’t just about cooking; it was about the simple but profound understanding between them. In the fast-paced world of business and philanthropy, Narayana Murthy’s response to the meal wasn’t just an act of kindness; it was a reflection of the values they both share—of prioritizing the emotional well-being of one another over minor imperfections. Their relationship, based on mutual respect, patience, and a deep sense of care, shows that love in its purest form often transcends the trivial things we may get caught up in.
In relationships, it’s often easy to get caught up in the idea of perfection—whether in a meal, an event, or the expectations we set for each other. But Sudha Murty’s story about forgetting to add salt to a meal is a reminder that love doesn’t require perfection. What truly matters is the care we show, the patience we practice, and the willingness to accept and forgive each other’s mistakes. It is through these small acts of love that couples build a lasting bond, strengthening their connection over time.
The couple’s story also provides an important lesson for those navigating busy or demanding careers. Sudha Murty, who has herself achieved remarkable success, may be busy with her writing, philanthropic endeavors, and social commitments. Yet, she still finds time to prepare meals for her husband, something that shows the balance she maintains between her professional and personal life. Her willingness to take time for these small, meaningful acts speaks to the importance of nurturing relationships, no matter how hectic life may get.
Their story reminds us that relationships are not just about grand gestures or big celebrations, but also about the day-to-day moments that shape our connections with others. It’s about the understanding that comes with spending time together, even in the most ordinary situations. The joy of sharing a meal, regardless of how perfectly it is prepared, can foster an intimacy that strengthens the emotional bond between partners.
Moreover, Sudha and Narayana’s dynamic exemplifies how humor can play a role in a strong relationship. While Sudha could have been embarrassed by her mistake, the exchange became a lighthearted moment between them. Humor is a powerful tool in relationships, enabling couples to navigate challenges with grace and ease. Their ability to laugh at the situation and move on speaks to the strength of their relationship, which is built not on perfection, but on mutual care, understanding, and support.