At a time when familial bonds are fast loosing its charm and vigour in the cacophony of modern life, here is a tale of unbridled love of a man for his differently-abled sister that has become viral on social media.
Meenu was born with paralysed legs. She is hearing impaired and has complaints of improper heart valves. But the aliments did not bother the wheelchair-bound woman. Reason: she is under the care of her loving brother.
Hariprasad alias Manu began carrying his paraplegic sister in his arms ever since she was born 28 years ago. Nonetheless, he did the same on the day of his engagement - carrying her all around as usual. Someone took the video without his knowledge and posted it on social media making the infective emotional attachment between the two spread to thousands of people.
Manu was in fact dreaming of his sister's wedding before his own. But the woman, who depends on others even to carry out her primary needs, was being cared by her mother and brother ever since she was born.
During the engagement ceremony, someone from the crowd commented, "the bridegroom who is supposed to be presenting himself in a flashy attire is walking around carrying his differently-abled sister."
To those people, Manu had an answer, "Come what may I will carry my sister like this for ever. I am not just her elder brother. I'm like her father too."
Manu and Meenu are from Vilappilsala in Thiruvananthapuram and their bonding is well known to people in the region. It was Meenu who insisted on Manu's marriage as it was her dream to see her elder brother getting married.
Manu's fiancée is Ramya Ramesh, municipal councillor in Pattom ward in Thiruvnanthapuram. Manu's father had expired eight years ago.
A driver by profession, all Manu hopes now is that his would-be wife Ramya, with whom the marriage has been fixed for December this year, might be loving Meenu well enough.