COIMBATORE: Manikandan (19) and Fouzia Banu (18) know that their days are numbered. Both tested positive for Human Immuno deficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) since they were kids and have come to terms with their respective lives.
Currently, they are inmates of the city-based 'Mercy Home' that shelters kids who are suffering from HIV/ AIDS. The founders of this home plan to get them both married the following month. "Sadly, the two have had a tuberculosis (TB) attack and their lifespan is short. While Manikandan currently works as mechanic here, Fouzia is pursuing her diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering at a city-based college. Since both have tested positive for HIV/AIDS it is alright to have them married and they can have a married life. While Fouzia is expecting her child, we can give her treatment to ensure that her child is tested negative for HIV/ AIDS," Mr Riyaz, trustee, 'Mercy Home' said. The couple is not too keen on entering wedlock as they know that their life span is short, yet the founders of 'Mercy Home' do not wish to give up on them.
Mr Riyaz shares with DC, "those who have tested positive for HIV/ AIDS are not accepted by their family or society. Our aim is to ensure that they too live a dignified life."
The two will be married at a simple ceremony as per their wish here the following month and the date for their wedding is yet to be fixed.
This is the first time that the founders of this decade old home are getting their inmates who have been tested positive for HIV/AIDS married.
