Tale of true love from Wayanad: Jenson remains beside fiancée who lost nine kin

MEPPADI (WAYANAD): In a touching instance of true love triumphing tragedy, Jenson P J, 26, has been providing solace and support to his fiancee Shruthi S, 24, who lost nine members of her family, including parents, in the devastating Mundakkai landslide on July 30. Jenson has remained by Shruthi's side for the past nine days, even sleeping during night in his car parked outside the relief camp at a school in Meppadi where Shruthi is presently staying.

The couple's engagement, held on June 2, was a grand affair attended by 1,500 people from Chooralmala, and their marriage was scheduled for Dec 26.

However, following the tragedy, Jenson has resolved to bring Shruthi to his home from the camp, and advance their wedding to Sept.

Shruthi's loss includes her father Sivanna, mother Sabitha, younger sister Shreya, uncle Gurumallan, aunt Savithri and their grandchild Ashwin,13, apart from another uncle Siddharaj, his wife Divya and son Lakshanth, 8. All of them were staying in Shruthi's house. Uncle Gurumallan, his family and others had come to Shruthi's house at Chooralmala as they used to do during heavy rain.

While the bodies of eight family members were recovered, Shruthi's mother Sabitha remains missing. Shruthi has given her blood samples for DNA analysis.

"I am planning to take Shruthi home once her stay in the camp is over. What she has gone through is unimaginable. Now all I want is to help ease her pain and be by her side always," said Jenson.