Doctors declared her dead. His family urged him to leave her, but he proved 'true love does not walk away.' Here's how

Time of India

27-07-2025

The doctors had officially declared her dead. But it was her loving husband who insisted that she had not yet left the living and stayed by her for 30 days, bathing and feeding her diligently. In this crisis,
Varinder
proved he was here to support her in sickness and health, as he had once vowed to when they tied the knot.
Life had been gentle and fulfilling for a woman who shared her heartfelt story through
Humans of Bombay.
Married to Varinder through an arranged setup, she remembered falling in love the moment she saw his photograph. Without any hesitation, she told her father about her feelings, and the two families soon united the couple in marriage. Their routine was simple but fulfilling—daily visits to the temple, leisurely walks holding hands, and raising their two children with love and care. For a long time, life felt perfect—complete in every sense.
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But everything changed in an instant on March 11, 2012. That day, as she was descending a flight of stairs, a sudden stumble left one of her legs feeling oddly numb. Believing it to be a sign of tiredness, she initially ignored the sensation. However, Varinder was concerned and took her to consult a doctor. Even the medical expert dismissed it as something minor.
But what followed the next morning changed their lives forever.
An Unexpected Diagnosis
As she attempted to get out of bed the following day, her body gave way—she collapsed and realized she could no longer feel her leg. Alarmed, she screamed for Varinder, who immediately rushed her to the hospital. After a series of tests, doctors diagnosed her with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (
GBS
), a rare but life-threatening neurological disorder.
The situation quickly spiraled into a nightmare. Her body became a battleground of pain and paralysis. Needles pierced her skin constantly, and eventually, even the simple act of breathing turned into a struggle. Varinder, helpless but determined, repeatedly pleaded with medical staff to help his ailing wife. But no treatment seemed to work. Then came the worst moment—her consciousness faded, and everything went dark.
A Husband's Refusal to Let Go
When she regained awareness, she found herself in a different hospital. Varinder explained what had transpired during her blackout. The previous hospital had administered an incorrect dosage of medication, nearly ending her life. The attending doctors had declared her dead, certain there was nothing more they could do. But Varinder, unwilling to accept their finality, took matters into his own hands. For 35 relentless minutes, he performed CPR on her, refusing to surrender to fate. Miraculously, his efforts succeeded — she came back to life.
This was not just an act of love; it was a battle for survival that he chose to fight alone when the world had already given up.
Standing Strong Amid Pressure and Pain
Throughout her hospital stay, Varinder remained a constant presence. Despite immense pressure from relatives and even some medical staff suggesting that he abandon her—saying she would not recover and it was better to send her back to her maternal home—Varinder refused to budge. Every single day, he remained by her side.
He bathed her gently each morning, ensured she received every meal on time, and held her hands whenever she underwent painful treatments. His dedication went far beyond duty—it was a living embodiment of the marital vows they had taken years ago.
A Caregiver's Journey at Home
After an entire month of intensive care, she was finally discharged. But the journey to recovery was far from over. At home, Varinder took on multiple roles—caregiver, father, homemaker, and breadwinner. He looked after the children, managed household chores, and continued his job, all while tending to her every need with compassion and care.
To her, it felt like being reborn. Varinder gave her a second life, one that was fragile yet filled with love and meaning.
A Testament to Enduring Love
Thirteen years have passed since that harrowing ordeal. Though she now walks with a limp and is a bit slower than she used to be, the love between them remains unchanged. In fact, it has only grown deeper. Hand in hand, they still go on walks—just like they used to—a powerful symbol of a love that defied death and despair. In every sense, Varinder lived up to the promise made during their wedding: to be there in sickness and in health.
"He gave me a new life. That's the treatment I received—not medicines, but love. He proved that true love doesn't walk away, even when life gets hard.." she wrote.
Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
According to the
Mayo Clinic
, Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition where the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks its nerves. The condition often begins with a sensation of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. This feeling can rapidly worsen, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, full-body paralysis.
GBS is considered a medical emergency, and most patients require hospitalization. Though its exact cause remains unknown, in about two-thirds of cases, the onset of GBS is preceded by an infection — such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, and sometimes even COVID-19 or the Zika virus.
The progression of symptoms can be swift. Initial indicators may involve:
Tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation in fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists.
Muscle weakness, beginning in the legs and potentially spreading to the upper body.
Difficulty with walking, balance, or climbing stairs.
Problems with facial expressions, chewing, or speaking.
Double vision or eye movement challenges.
Severe nerve pain that may worsen at night.
Complications with bladder or bowel control.
Irregular heartbeat or unstable blood pressure.
Respiratory issues that can become life-threatening.
Due to the serious and unpredictable nature of GBS, early detection and immediate medical attention are crucial. Recovery can take weeks to months, and some patients may face long-term effects, including limited mobility.
Final Thoughts: Love's Resilience
This powerful story is not just about survival; it's about an unbreakable bond. In an age where relationships often falter at the first sign of hardship, Varinder's steadfast commitment stands as a moving testament to what love truly means. He didn't just stand by her in her darkest hour—he pulled her back into life through sheer will and devotion.
Their journey offers hope, courage, and a reminder that when love is real, it doesn't run away from storms—it becomes the shelter.