Love is in the air, do you feel it everywhere? Of course, it’s V-Day! And, all we can think about is love. Ah, yes, while walking on the streets, I’m not seeing the red lights, I see red hearts.
Okay, enough about me. Let me tell you the story of a wonderful couple, that is hopelessly in love.
Jyoti is HIV Positive & an HIV activist and has dedicated herself to the betterment of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) across India and the world. Read her entire story here.

Me: How did you rediscover love when you first met Vivek?

Jyoti: Love cannot be forced or enforced. It just happened over the course of time. I was attracted towards a profile picture of a man in biking gear next to his Honda Fireblade. But wait, the attraction wasn’t sudden! The guy, at first, was one who tried to pursue me through Yahoo chat and trying to befriend me. Trust me, it was a little irritating in the beginning!

Many times, I’ve rejected his friend request, too. *wink*

After many such attempts, I decided to give in and saw that profile picture. *giggle*

Our conversations were limited to “hello,” “how are you?” We met the first time when my father passed away. Vivek was a great emotional support, as I had no one beside me. I was in Mumbai while my father’s last rites were taking place in Hyderabad.

Vivek fell for me during our second meeting.

Me: Was Vivek’s family supportive of your relationship?

Jyoti: Initially, they were apprehensive. But, when they learned that HIV cannot be transmitted via touch, share, and etc., they relaxed a bit. They were also unsure because of the society.

But now, they see me and the work I do, and yes, the fact that I’ve done them proud by achieving two KarmaVeer Chakra (the award for social empowerment and justice, initiated by the UN), one bronze in 2015 and silver in 2016.

Me: One thing that sets you and Vivek apart from other couples?

Jyoti: Only that he’s HIV negative, while I’m HIV positive, which makes us a Serodiscordant couple (in medical terms)! We are a mixed status couple.

Me: A ritual that you still follow?

Jyoti: Well, that’s a tough one. We are compatibilities apart. He is vegan, while I’m not. He fasts every Ekadasi, and is religious, while I’m spiritual, and I don’t fast. He is an animal lover and often goes on animal rescues, while I go to the gym.

The only way we are alike is that we return back to the same home! *Laughs*

Me: One memorable gift that you gave to him during your courtship?

Jyoti: Oops! I haven’t. Except, myself (Hope that doesn’t sound selfish!). As for him, he gifted me an iPhone, followed by an iPad and then an iPod, along came a Macbook.

Me: Wow, he really wants you to turn into an Apple Fanboi!

Jyoti: All of this, as long as I promise to behave well and be a loving wife, not a nagging one, haha!

Love really is in the air. Can we have some heart smileys for these two please?