12 yrs after acid attack, survivor finds her prince charming

Shabeena was attacked two months before her marriage was to take place in 2004. After 12 years, she found her prince charming in Shamshad.

An excruciating 12 years after acid was hurled at her, Shabeena found her prince charming in Shamshad and the two started their journey together as a married couple on Thursday night.

Shabeena’s ‘nikah’ was held on December 15.(HT Photo)

A beaming Shabeena said at the nikah ceremony, “I start life afresh after having lived in agony for 12 years. Shamshad who lives next door to us sent the marriage proposal to my family. Both our families soon gave their blessings for our nuptials.”

She was attacked two months before her marriage was to take place in 2004. She was 16 then.

Waseem, her fiancé then, was adamant about getting married in four days’ time. Shabeena refused to be coerced and said her father would take the call.

Feeling insulted Waseem poured acid on her face when she was asleep. He was arrested a year later and the court sentenced him to 14 years in jail.

After the incident her family relocated from Chamangunj to Dhaknapurwa.

Shabeena underwent eight face correction surgeries with the help of her new neighbours who collected money for her treatment.

Shamshad, one of her neighbours in the new area, was smitten by her simplicity and asked his parents to send a marriage proposal to her family last week. “I know about her, I will do my best to make her happy,” he said.

Shamshad with Shabeena after their marriage on December 15. (HT Photo)

“God has his mysterious ways. I can’t describe how happy I am,” said Shabeena who had lost all hopes of becoming a bride after the traumatic incident.

Hundreds of locals attended the simple wedding between Shamshad and Shabeena in Dhaknapurwa.