He fell in love with her when he heard her speak at an event organised by the Human Rights Law Network. She was more hesitant, but when she saw that he was always there for him, she said she learned to smile again.
The love story between two acid attack survivors began only a few months ago, but has provided them both with a strong support system and an understanding of each other.
According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, the two acid attack survivors, Aarti Thakur and Prashant Pingle are all set to tie the knot. The wedding, set for June this year, will be a happy occasion for all.
"Call it love, attraction, being in awe of her... Aarti was talking about her grief but I could see that she wanted to fight on, that she was not ready to give up. I was drawn to her," Pingle said, speaking fondly of his betrothed.
She was talking about her grief, but I could see that she wanted to fight on -- that she was not ready to give up. Prashant Pingle
Pingle suffered over 54 percent burns in October 2015 while trying to shield his married sister from an acid attack by her stalker.
In January 2012, Thakur, who was working with a private firm at the time, was attacked by her former landlord and his family for rejecting his marriage proposal. She suffered from 15 to 20 percent burns.
Five years later, memories of the traumatic incident made Thakur hesitate before accepting Pingle's proposal.
She told Mumbai Mirror: "Prashant had proposed marriage in January, but I was angry and bitter at the world. Of course, I will never forgive the attackers, but with Prashant by my side, I have learnt to smile again."
For a while I was angry and bitter at the world. Of course I will never forgive the attackers, but with him by my side, I have learnt to smile again.Aarti Thakur
The couple also said that they were inspired by the happy relationship between journalist-turned-activist Aloke Dixit and acid-attack survivor Laxmi. Dixit and Laxmi recently adopted a baby girl and named her Pihu.
Now, families of both the survivors are looking forward to the happy occasion.
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