Since Valentine’s Day is just four days away. What better way to profess each other’s love than by a marriage ceremony to seal the deal?

In one of its unique and rare cases in Fiji, Sabnam Nisha wed Neel Roop at the Samabula Home yesterday.

Born with a physical disability, Ba lass Sabnam, 32, couldn’t believe her dreams came true yesterday when she wed the love of her life Neel.

“I started conversing with him through social media and after sharing my story of struggle on Facebook, he wanted to know more about me,” said the glowing bride.

To make it extra special, the bride is expecting her first child and is eight months pregnant.

“I also wanted to prove people wrong, that I could conceive and become a mother

“I never thought this day would come and I encourage others out there living with a disability to always believe in their dreams and to keep moving forward.”

Sabnam was bought up by her grandparents in Ba until her grandmother passed away. She later moved to Lautoka and stayed with an aunt for four years.

“It was very hard living with my aunty and I just wanted to get away from there,” she said.

After chatting for a few months, Neel decided to bring her from Lautoka to Suva and place her at the Samabula Senior Citizens Home which he knew would be the safest place for her to stay until they found a permanent home.

Neel, 36, of Nausori couldn’t contain his excitement about the special union.

“Her story was what made me want to contact her and the circumstances she was facing,” said Neel.

Neel said after finally meeting her last year in Lautoka, he just wanted to take care of her and her condition.

“I’m finally getting married to her and the good days are ahead of us,” said the beaming groom.

It was a very moving ceremony as songs were sung, prayers said, papers signed, and vows made and when the couple finally exchanged wedding rings to seal their union.

With the assistance of the Ministry of Social Welfare, the newly married couple can now be provided a shelter as a new born baby is on its way as well.

Ministry of Social Welfare permanent secretary, Dr Josefa Koroivueta, said the union was a very unique one.

“For them to come out publicly and declare their love for each other, our role was to ensure their wishes were fulfilled,” said Mr Koroivueta.

Mr Koroivueta said yesterday’s union shows that love crosses all barriers irrespective of our physical disability, love conquers all.

The union was held in front of the staff and residents of the Samabula Senior Citizens Home, staff from the social welfare and the members of the media.

The union was officiated by Pastor Joshua Prasad of the Central Revival Centre, in Samabula.

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