And you never know when you might meet someone who will change your life…

Dipen and I have been familiar with each other since our college days. We didn’t interact much then, but he remembers me as a bubbly and cheerful girl, and I recall him as a polite and shy guy. After college, I moved to Mumbai for work, and he shifted abroad to pursue professional basketball. We stayed in minimal touch through social media.

In 2019, while visiting the UK for a vacation, I unexpectedly encountered a guy I didn't recognize. He waved at me at a traffic light from his car while I was leaving a restaurant with my mother. Confused, I shouted by replying, ‘Sorry? Do I know you?’ But he drove off as the traffic signal turned green. My mother nudged me to ask about him. ‘Maybe my future husband - who knows!’ I joked with her. Little did I know then that it would be true someday.

The same day, Dipen texted me on Instagram, revealing that he was the mystery guy at the traffic light. After our initial conversation, we agreed to catch up soon. But we got busy in our lives. Again in 2020, Dipen replied to my Instagram story and we started chatting. This time we had a real conversation. It felt like the beginning of something special, and despite my reservations, I found it easy to converse with him. During the talk, I came to know that Dipen is a cancer survivor. He had to undergo amputation, due to which he uses a prosthetic leg. And before we could understand, we started dating.

You know, what makes Dipen so special? Rather than hiding his amputation or feeling ashamed, he has chosen to raise awareness about his experience by proudly wearing shorts showing his prosthetic leg. By doing so, he creates a space for others to ask questions about topics often stigmatized or overlooked. His bold approach inspires others who may be struggling with similar challenges. It encourages them to embrace their differences and celebrate their unique strengths.

The first thing people notice about Dipen is his prosthetic leg. We have often faced criticism and harsh judgement from people who didn't understand our love or Dipen's disability. These are the challenges of being in a relationship unacceptable to a judgmental society. But, to me, it doesn’t matter. I’m in love with an ambitious, caring, kind, family-oriented, loving and extremely handsome man. He has always supported and encouraged me in everything I do and loves me unconditionally. I strongly feel that one should understand that love comes in all shapes, forms and versions! And we should be open to accepting all.

Anyways, our love blossomed, and there came a stage in our relationship where we decided to marry. It wasn’t easy to share the news with my family. Of course, I was thrilled about it. But I was also anxious about the possible questions and fears my parents might have regarding my relationship. I took the plunge as I had no second thoughts about our relationship.

When I finally shared the news with my parents, I wasn't surprised by their decision. They have always been so supportive towards my life decisions. However, their words caught me by surprise. My parents said, ‘Such things could happen before or after marriage, and it doesn't change anything, so what do you fear? They said, ‘If you are happy, we are happy, despite the challenges and judgments from society.’

Their response gave me more confidence to move forward with Dipen. After all, what else I needed to move forward with one of the most important decisions of my life? We got married on 5th February 2023.

Being with Dipen has made me develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding towards those with disabilities or those who face other life challenges. By noticing the struggles that Dipen has to overcome, I have gained a greater appreciation for the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It has taught me valuable lessons about patience, perseverance, and adaptability.

So, to the ones struggling with disabilities or fighting with the other challenges of life, let me tell you; you aren’t alone. Try to look towards the journey of life through the lens of love. And then you’ll understand the true power of love. Like I’ve experienced.

And always remember that love is not just about finding the perfect partner or having a fairy tale romance. It's about accepting and embracing another person for who they are, including their flaws. In a world that often focuses on superficial qualities, it's essential to recognize that true love is not just about physical appearance or material possessions. It's about connecting with someone on a deep level and supporting each other through life's ups and downs. Keep these thoughts alive in your mind. And you never know when you might meet someone who will change your life in ways you never imagined. Just like mine has changed.

Wow! Isn't Dipti and Dipen's story an epitome of what we call a power couple story?

Delhi Stories is an emerging platform to feature inspirational, motivational, relatable and beautiful stories. Do you also have an interesting love story Dipti and Dipen?