Sanjib and Ramila were at Nepal's historic Dharahara Tower when the devastating earthquake struck
Ramila Shrestha, 17, told her family she was going to watch a movie with her friends on Saturday. A few minutes later, the 17-year-old met her boyfriend Sanjib and they both decided to go to the historic landmark Dharahara Tower in Kathmandu. They had kept their relationship a secret from their families.
The 18th century tower, built for the Queen of Nepal with its spectacular viewing balcony on the eighth floor, had the best views of the city, and Ramila and Sanjib were thrilled at the prospect of spending the day together. After a slow climb up the spiral staircase, just as they stepped onto the viewing balcony, the ground started moving, over and over. Panicked screams rang out and the teen couple's freefall to the ground ended when they lost consciousness.
Ramila and Sanjib were moved to a city hospital by rescue workers; the doctors who examined them offered the good news that the head and back injuries they have will not keep them in hospital for more than a few days. The couple lay a few beds apart. It would be some hours before they knew the other was safe. "Is he ok?" As the doctor checked his X-ray, Sanjib blushed when asked if Ramila had served as his Lady Luck. "Your secret is out in the open now," said Dr Santosh Pandey, as Sanjib tried to hide the embarrassed look on his face.
Despite all the bandages on her head, Ramila can't stop smiling. Not least because Sanjib shyly reveals, "I am so happy we are both ok. I see a future for us together."
The couple's families have discovered their relationship. So far, there have been no recriminations. A 200-feet fall has been survived, and in the midst of the incredible stories of loss and devastation, a young couple has found a way to cement their relationship.