A couple in Palkichhara tea garden near Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar has been holding hands each morning for 25 years, facing hunger, rejection, and heartache together. Basmati Rani Rabidas, 45, was ousted from her family for choosing love, while her blind husband, Ramnarayan Rabidas, faced a similar fate when his family disowned him upon learning about their relationship.
Their love story began in the tea garden where Ramnarayan, 54, who had already suffered the loss of his first wife, found solace with Basmati. Despite facing rejection from their families, they chose to stay together and support each other.
Basmati, at one point, had to live under a tree in the local market surviving on alms as they were shunned by relatives and the community. However, their bond remained unbroken as they navigated through life’s challenges together.
Their struggles continued as they faced scarcity of food even for their children. Despite the hardships, they held onto hope and dreams of a better future. They managed to save money and take a loan to purchase an auto-rickshaw, hoping it would secure their family’s financial stability.
Unfortunately, their dreams were shattered when the auto-rickshaw was stolen, leaving them devastated. Despite the setback, their love and commitment to each other remained unshakeable.
Locals, like Suman Yadav, praised their enduring love and strength, highlighting the couple’s resilience in the face of poverty and suffering. Basmati’s unwavering support for her blind husband is a testament to the power of love that continues to illuminate their lives.
