This is no usual boy-meets-girl love story. Rakesh Solanki and Sunita Pawar, both visually impaired, will be tying the knot on Sunday.

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And, NGO Louis Braille Apang Kalyan Sanstha, Lonikand, is playing Cupid for the couple by making it a grand affair, much beyond the meagre means of the two.     

The NGO works for the visually challenged by making provisions of home, education and vocational skills.

Attributing their alliance to the sanstha, Rakesh said, “The founder of this NGO, Arjun Kendre, was my batchmate at PR Lunkad Blind School, Bhosari.”

Arjun, who is partially blind, said, “I knew both of them, since we all studied in the same school. Sunita is striving very hard, because of her strained relations with her family and financial constraints. Rakesh is trying to make a mark in the music world with his excellent tabla playing skills.

“Both were looking for life partners. However, they were facing financial difficulties, as they had to spend nearly Rs25,000 for the marriage ceremony, and they had no money. That’s when I decided to pitch in to make the union happen. Since Sunita is estranged from her family, my family and I will be performing her kanyaadan. We have fixed Sunday as their date of wedding. The ceremony would take place as per Hindu traditions, with a band and all the wedding merriment galore. Our all blind boys’ orchestra will also play on the occasion,” Arjun said.

Rakesh said, “I’m a tabla player and perform in programmes in and around Pune. I was born blind, unlike my three brothers, who don’t have any vision impairment. I'm a native of Maangaon in Raigad district, and now settled in Pune. My family wanted me to marry a girl with eyesight, while I always wanted to marry someone who’s blind. My dream has been fulfilled.”

Sunita said, “I lost my sight after I suffered from high fever, when I was four years old. I’ve an MA B.Ed and work as a teacher.”