New Delhi, Apr 16: They might have split but they still remain the first couple of Jammu and Kashmir. They might no longer be together, yet they remain the most lovable couple amongst the people of Jammu and Kashmir.The J&K chief minister and his wife Payal Nath might have separated marking an end to their 17 year long married life but they too had a beautiful love tale.Payal belonged to Delhi with her roots in Lahore, Pakistan. Payal's father Major General Ran Nath was an army officer. Omar Abdullah is the son of former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah.Their love tale began when Omar was working at the Oberoi, Delhi. He was as charming as ever and was appointed marketing executive with the hotel group.Payal was working in the same hotel. The seeds of their relationship were sown here.Both got married in the year 1994. The couple was blessed with two baby boys- Zaheer and Zameer.Being the first lady of the state, Payal was never seen absent from Omar's public appearances. She accompanied him almost everywhere. Making often public appearances Payal managed to stay away from the glare of media and maintained a low profile in public.Payal grabbed a little attention for her stylish wardrobe and her classy attitude. Couples are made in heaven but probably this one was made to be together for a short span of time. Rumors said that Omar's closeness with a television anchor led to a turbulence in his married life with Payal. They were secretive about the conflicts initially but nearly two years back, in 2011 Omar accepted that they have separated and Payal moved back to Delhi. Payal is now staying in Delhi with her two sons and owns a mineral water company named Jairu Naturell. She also manages a travel company.Omar is busy with his busy political activities and managing India's most critical state. The couple has not filed a divorce yet, probably with a belief in the saying that `Love finds a way'.
Updated on: May 30, 2014 8:00 IST
