Girl marries HIV positive man for love

It is said love knows no bounds, and a girl from Narayangarh in Chitwan district has proved it right by tying the nuptial cord with a HIV positive man, much to everyone's surprise.

Sujata Rai, 23, married Samir Chettri, a 34-year-old HIV positive man from Thapathali in Kathmandu in a private ceremony four months ago. But the couple disclosed about their marriage only recently after their fears of reprisal from the society went away with the tremendous love and support they received from their families.

"People affected with HIV/AIDS must not be ignored or neglected by viewing them as a social stigma. Everyone should respect HIV infected people's right to be loved as they need care and affection just like any of us," Sujata said, adding that the biased society should learn a lesson from their exemplary marriage.

"I had though that I had no other option left than wait for death without anyone's love in my life," a jubiliant Samir said, "but now my dream of a happy conjugal life has come true."

Initially the couple faced some sort of resistance from their family members when they told them about their marriage plans, but looking at their love for each other their families could do nothing but provide a positive nod for the marriage.

A simple conversation between the two a year ago had planted the seed of love between the two which finally culminated in marriage four months ago, making it probably the first of its kind of marriage in the country.

Now that they are finally married, what are their future plans? "We would not establish physical relationship, but we would try to have a test-tube baby," the couple said. nepalnews.com ag Jan 07 08