This Valentine's Day has special meaning in Nagpur City

Cupid is rekindling same-sex romance on Valentine's Day too. Long drives to lonely musings, from roses to candle-lit dinners and then from holding hands to passionate lip-locking, they vow to have it all on Sunday. While some top greeting card companies have put special cards on sale in metros, Nagpur doesn't have any for this community. Nevertheless, they are determined to celebrate the day like the rest of the 'regular' lovey-dovey couples.

This Valentine's Day has special meaning as it's the first after the judiciary and government have taken a soft stance on same-sex relationship. Unnatural sex was and, still is, a punishable offence. However, a Delhi High Court decision has taken a liberal view on Section 377 of the IPC: Consensual sex between two adults is permitted but if it's under force or on minors, it still remains punishable.

Pawan, a gay rights activist and counsellor, is disappointed that he would not be with his special friend on Saturday. "He is in Mumbai," said Pawan. "I will buy 11 roses for him as he would be on my mind throughout the day. We plan to speak over the phone for a long time as I want to ensure that he will not be saddened by the separation."

Pawan also urged the police and others to ensure that the rights of the gay and lesbian community is respected on the day.

Pawan's friend Hitesh said that nothing can substitute the fun of having his 'love' beside him. "I had asked him to come over. It would have been a candle-lit dinner and followed by a surprise gift. We could have spent time shopping too. Now, we have put off the plan for the next time when we meet," said Hitesh, recalling how a friendship in 2006 turned into an emotional affair two years later.

Renu is gearing up to be with her friend. "We plan to be together for the whole day having fun, go see a movie and then dinner at a nice place and then...." she trails off. Renu realises there will be social opposition against the relationship but she's hopeful and wants to settle down with her beloved. "Nagpur mein log hume kyon nahi jeene dete hai? (Why do Nagpurians not want allow us to stay together)."

Robin is delighted that his engineer boyfriend has decided to chuck a highly-paid job in Mumbai, sever all ties in the metro and reach here on Saturday. "We plan to watch 'My Name is Khan' because of Shah Rukh Khan. Recently, we had gone to see another SRK starrer 'Rab Ne Banadi Jodi'. My friend was so happy after watching it that he confessed of seeing the Rab (God) in my face," said Robin, who is a student in a reputed college.

Sam wants to gift his boyfriend a watch on Sunday. "He is a dumbo and keeps me waiting all the time. A lazy bum," said Sam who plans to go to a disco and have a blast.

Anand, an activist attached to Saarathi Trust which is an NGO working for the cause of safe sex among same sex couples, had a words of caution for all the Valentine's Day revellers, be it gay or lesbian or straight, to keep a tab on the fun-o-meter. "Hey folks, let your hair down but not at the cost of health or safety," he said.