Young Indian couple killed in flydubai plane crash

Dubai: Love took him to Russia, only for death to shatter their dreams. Shyam Mohan and Anju were on-board the flydubai flight that crashed in Rostov-on-Don — they were returning after a month’s holiday at home in Perumbavoor, Badani Kurishu, Kerala.

A small town near the northern tip of Kochi, it is known for its timber industry. “Shyam was a simple boy, almost childlike in his approach to life. Not much wants or any great rising ambition,” Prasanth K.V., his brother-in-law told Gulf News.

“His father Mohan is quite old, I would say about 65 years. He was a carpenter by profession, who worked on construction sites. But, suffered a stroke about three years ago and could no longer go to work. Ever since, Shyam has been taking care of the family.” Prasanth also works as a carpenter.

They have no other source of income, such as agriculture. They live in a small house in the trading town.

The 27-year-old used to work in an electronics shop to help look after his family. Then love took over. He met Anju, of the same age. She was a trained ayurvedic masseuse, who was working at a spa in Rostov-on-Don. The family discovered the romance, there wasn’t any opposition and the couple started planning their future.

“Shyam decided to join Anju in her profession and underwent training at Kothamangalam to be an ayurvedic masseuse. About a year ago [in 2014] he completed his training and the two got married. Anju got him a job at the same spa and they travelled to Russia,” Prasanth said.

They returned home to Perumbavoor on their first holiday, after a year, over a month ago. “They were happy with their work and stay in Rostov but were hoping to return for good in two years’ time. They wanted to save some money and start a family.” Now, there is going to be no future.

“The parents are broken hearted, he was their only support. They don’t know what to do. We heard about the crash early in the day but the news of the death was only confirmed in the afternoon [2pm]. His mother, Sreeja, has not stopped crying and so has my wife, Soumya.” Shyam Mohan was her younger brother and only sibling.

“Anju was also a person with a similar personality. She was warm and people liked both of them. They had many friends.”

Her father died at a young age, her older brother Ajith, 30, also a carpenter by profession worked hard to make ends meet. Their mother Geeta, 50, managed the house as best she could.

“Their economic condition was not at all good. It was quite bad. They knew of somebody who was working in ayurveda in Rostov, who helped Anju get a job [in 2011]. It was a big relief, the money she sent home.”

Shyam’s family had not met with Anju’s family till we went to press.

“They got the news, just like us and from what we hear are extremely upset. But, we have not met any of them because their home is at a distance away from us,” Prasanth added.