Bavani’s husband, Jeyaraj, is the author of “Guidance For Wheelchair Bound”, a new dual-language guidebook for wheelchair-bound people and their loved ones.

“When we were dating, he was working in Singapore and I was here in Malaysia. He would call me every day at 10am without fail.

“One day, he didn’t call. When I tried to call him, there was no response.”
She became worried and after making inquiries found out that Jeyaraj was involved in a workplace accident. She rushed to Singapore to be by his side.
Jeyaraj was left paralysed from the waist down after the accident 10 years ago.

Bavani said she never had doubts about wanting to be with Jeyaraj when she found out about his disability.

“There were strong objections from my family as they were concerned about my future and did not want me to be burdened and to live a hard life,” she said, adding that only her mother supported her decision.

“I did not care. I said I loved Jeyaraj and that I could not live without him.”

Now, nine years on, Bavani and Jeyaraj are happily married with one son, Phavickneyaraj, 3.

While Bavani has to endure challenges from time to time, there is nothing that prevents the family from living a regular life, as Jeyaraj is very independent and can go through 90 per cent of his day without any help.

“Jeyaraj is a great husband and father. He is a good, patient man. He’s my hero.”

She urged those in similar circumstances to stand by their partners and face the difficult times together.

As for Jeyaraj, 38, his wife is his soulmate.

“There are no words to describe just how much I love her and how much she means to me.”
Jeyaraj currently operates a stall in Rawang. For years after the accident, he survived by selling pens, come rain or shine, outside banks to support his family.