Love That Endured: Anand & Madhav’s Journey Through Cancer and Prejudice

When Anand was diagnosed with oral cancer just two weeks into a relationship with Madhav, one that society already refused to accept as a couple, most would have called it bad timing. Instead, they chose to fight together. Through surgeries, radiotherapy, and countless moments of doubt, they held on, not just to hope, but to each other.

Talking to SheThePeople, Anand and Madhav shared their journey, from being questioned for their age gap to facing societal judgment. Read how they overcame every challenge and built a life where love leads, not fear.

Watch: How Anand and Madhav Fought Cancer and Prejudice Together

“When I met Anand on a dating app, I never imagined how much he’d change my life. I messaged him to tease his bio, and that one message turned into deep conversations about politics, pasts, and love. At that time, I had lost hope in relationships, believing that lasting love wasn’t meant for people like us. But Anand was different…he treated me like a person, not just a body. In a world where holding hands in public is still an act of defiance, he held mine with pride.

Two weeks after we met, our world turned upside down..he was diagnosed with oral cancer. The moment I saw the lump on his tongue, I knew we’d have to fight this together. Through surgeries and radiotherapy, through moments of fear and pain, I stayed. And he, even in a hospital bed, even with an uncertain future, still found ways to make me laugh, to hold my hand, to remind me that love is stronger than fear.

There were moments when he tried to push me away, telling me I deserved someone without the burden of illness. But love isn’t about choosing the easy road. It’s about choosing your person, no matter what. So we faced every challenge together.

Today, Anand is cancer-free, and our bond is unshakable. We’ve travelled across India, created content to share our journey, and built a life where love leads, not fear. People question our age gap, our choices, even our love. But love doesn’t need permission…it just needs two people willing to fight for it.

For anyone out there scared to love because of society’s rules..love anyway. Fight for your happiness. If you find someone who makes your life better, hold onto them. The world will always have opinions, but love? Love is yours to define.”

Take a look at their story here.

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