Kerala's second gay couple Nived and Rahim celebrated their wedding in a grand style recently. Breaking all conventions, it was the fulfilment of a five-year-long love affair. The youths are now stars on the social media after their English-style wedding that took place at Chinnappanahally Lake in Bengaluru.
The newlyweds are now planning a honeymoon trip but they have already travelled to many places together and share details of their journeys as well as upcoming trips.
"Everybody loves a good trip and I'm no exception. Rahim, whom I call Ikku, also has a liking for travels. In fact, Ikku feels more pleased when I enjoy a trip. He accompanies me wherever I go," says Nived.
"A journey is a means of escape from the daily grind. We prefer to head to quiet and peaceful places. There are several such destinations in Kerala as well as other parts of India. We haven’t been able to visit them all but have made some mmorable trips," he adds.
In Kerala, the couple has travelled to all districts, except Kasaragod. "I love Ikku's native place Alappuzha. We have toured in Delhi, Manali, and Punjab among other locations and the distinct culture of each region attracted me," says Nived.
Karim works in Abu Dhabi and Nived has spent three months in the Gulf state too. "I visited almost all attractions in Abu Dhabi with Ikku," reveals Nived.
He says the dream destination of the couple is Europe. "I have no idea when the trip would take place but we hope to set out on a European trip at least during our first wedding anniversary," says Nived.
In fact, it is he who plans the trips and makes the necessary preparations. "Each journey would be a surprise for Ikku," reveals Nived.
Memorable Manali trip
On the day their love affair completed three years, Nived and Karim were in Manali. "It is a great place, blessed with stunning scenery and amazing weather. Who wouldn’t fall in love amid the snow?" quips Nived.
Apart from enjoying nature's beauty, travellers can engage in trekking in Manali. In addition, there are other adventure activities such as whitewater rafting, paragliding, skiing, mountaineering and hiking. "We had a great time with the ropeway and paragliding," says Nived.
"Moreover, we liked the culture, tradition and food of the place. The Manali trip, which lasted a week and a half, will remain etched in our memories forever," he adds.
An interesting aspect of the Manali trip was that Nived and Karim could enjoy a honeymoon package before their wedding during this journey. "We had booked the trip through Make My Trip and set out from Delhi in a Volvo bus. All the other passengers were newly weds heading to Manali for their honeymoon. The brides looked colourful, wearing red sarees as well as white and red bangles," recalls Nived.
The organisers knew that Nived and Karim were a gay couple and surprised them by arranging a honeymoon package. "There was a candlelight dinner and all other specialities offered to a newly married couple," informs Nived.
Upcoming journeys
The couple had planned a trip to Hampi after their wedding but it was cancelled as Karim had to return to Abu Dhabi. "Now I will be going to Abu Dhabi soon. I have visited the place earlier, but travelling with Ikku is always thrilling," says Nived.
Meanwhile, the couple is already planning a trip to Europe. "However, our ultimate wish is to head to Canada and settle down there. We hope to achieve this goal within a few years," says Nived.