In the outskirts of a small market situated in Palkichhara tea garden in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura upazila, a pair strolls hand in hand each morning. For a quarter of a century, their intertwined hands have been a source of strength amidst hunger, shame, and sorrow.
Basmati Rani Rabidas, aged 45, was disowned by her family for choosing love. Her spouse, Ramnarayan Rabidas, who was born blind, faced a similar fate when his kin also rejected him upon learning about their relationship.
Their love tale commenced on the dusty pathways of the tea estate. Ramnarayan, aged 54, had already experienced tragedy as his first wife passed away during childbirth almost thirty years ago, leaving him isolated in his own home.
Their encounters began while conversing on the way to the tea garden, as remembered by Basmati. However, her family could not bear it and eventually expelled her. Left with no place to go, she sought refuge in Ramnarayan’s home, but he too was ousted by his father for their relationship.
Since then, they have navigated life’s path together. Despite facing ostracization from relatives and the community, Basmati resided under a tree in the local market surviving on alms.
Their initial son arrived within a year of their union, yet food scarcity was a constant challenge. The birth of their second son brought a glimmer of hope, with compassionate traders occasionally providing meals for the family.
After years of saving and taking a loan of Tk 1 lakh, they purchased an auto-rickshaw with the aspiration that their son would drive it to secure the family financially. However, the dream was shattered when the auto-rickshaw was stolen just six months later.
Even in the face of despair, the couple remains inseparable. Despite enduring poverty, humiliation, and suffering, their enduring love continues to shine bright for more than 25 years.
Local resident Suman Yadav remarked, “Their love endures despite the hardships they face. Basmati’s unwavering devotion is truly remarkable, a testament to the strength of a wife’s love. Their bond continues to shine through the darkness.”