Pathanamthitta: Nikhil Eapen (29) and Anu Biju (26) could not have foreseen the tragedy that awaited them upon their return from a joyful honeymoon in Malaysia. In a cruel twist of fate, the couple, who had taken their wedding vows just 15 days ago, lost their lives in a road accident during their journey from Thiruvananthapuram airport to their home in Ranni.

Nikhil's father, Mathayi Eapen, and Anu's father, Biju George, were also killed when their car lost control and collided with a tourist bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh. According to the police, the accident occurred around 4:05 am on Sunday at Murinjakal, a location infamous as an accident-prone area on the Paravur-Muvattupuzha National Highway.

Eapen and Biju had travelled to Thiruvananthapuram airport on Saturday to welcome their children home together. However, the family met with a tragic accident just 7 kilometres away from their destination.

Nikhil and Anu, who belonged to the same parish in Ranni, had been in a relationship for eight years before tying the knot at St. Mary's Malankara Syriac Catholic Church in Poonkavu on November 30. A relative expressed profound grief over the loss of the couple who had dreamed of a happy life together.

"They had only just begun to live..." said the relative with tears.

The mortal remains of the couple and their fathers will be handed over to their families after the post-mortem. The last rites will be conducted once Nikhil's sister, who is currently abroad, returns to Kerala.