Love triumphs over physical disability, financial hardships

KOLKATA: Their love affair is as unique as the customized two-wheeler that they ride. It is fitted with two extra wheels to let its rider - a 44-year-old former footballer who lost his legs through an injury - manoeuvre it easily. Ratan Samaddar and his wife Jhuma - married for 10 years - have endured financial hardships, overcome social resistance and got past a physical disability to stay together. The barriers that the couple has crossed would have pulled most lovers apart. But Ratan and Jhuma from Barasat have been inseparable through their hardships. Every day, they say, is a Valentine's Day for them.

In 2000, Ratan suffered a crippling injury during a match. He was diagnosed with GB syndrome - a rare neurological disease in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. He could never use his legs again.

Ratan and Jhuma knew each other since college. Jhuma took Ratan to numerous doctors. After eight years of struggle, they realized it was a lost battle. But despite her family's resistance, Jhuma went ahead and married him in 2008.

"My father asked Jhuma not to marry Ratan. But she was firm In her decision to marry my brother," said Jayanta Samaddar, Ratan's elder brother.

"I knew he will never recover fully. But I never deserted him. I had no hesitation in marrying him either," said Jhuma. "We go on outings to villages in Burdwan, Hooghly or the Jharkhand forest," said Ratan, who has no steady income. Jhuma supports him by selling handicrafts. "I plan to extend my business. But whatever I do, it will only be to make Ratan happy," she said.