"Yes, we both did not open up about the relation. We were clear the relation needs some dignity... how you guard your family and every one at home and that is the way we have guarded it. We have been there since then, it is very important that you don`t talk about the relationship when you start off as you don`t know whether it will last or not," Genelia said in an interview.
"Thankfully we have grown up. Like we were earlier just friends...slowly became better friends, we started growing career wise and other ways. We never lost our friendship. And then on the way you start realising that you complete each other. I feel everybody has an incomplete part and there is someone one else who completes you...on the way we felt this was right," she said.
Riteish (32) and Genelia (24) have been seeing each other since their Bollywood debut, `Tujhe Meri Kasam` in 2003. The couple will seal their relationship on February 3.
"Its an exciting new chapter in our lives. The good part is there is no nervousness on both sides but excitement. Its been a busy month, like I have never been. The preparations are on...family is looking into it," Genelia said.
The couple, who starred together in films like `Tujhe Meri Kasam` and `Masti`, will be next seen in `Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya` which is expected to hit theatres on February 24.