LUCKNOW: What was supposed to be the beginning of a new life together ended in an unimaginable tragedy when 27-year-old Neelesh Kumar and 30-year-old Anamika Samant were among the 15 people killed in the devastating fire that swept through an animation and gaming training institute in Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday.The blaze, which also left nine others injured, turned wedding preparations into mourning and left two families shattered.The couple, both associated with the institute, had met at the workplace several years ago. What began as a friendship gradually blossomed into a relationship, eventually earning the approval of both families. Marriage discussions were underway, and relatives had already started preparing for the next chapter of their lives.Just days before the tragedy, Anamika’s parents had travelled from West Bengal to Lucknow to meet Neelesh’s family.Relatives recalled a warm gathering where both families came together and discussed wedding plans. A small family ceremony was also held as the relationship moved closer to formalisation.The families had already booked train tickets for a visit to West Bengal the following week to take the marriage talks forward.Wedding discussions, travel plans and dreams of a shared future filled conversations in both households. Within hours, however, those hopes were replaced by frantic phone calls, desperate searches for information and a heartbreaking wait outside the post-mortem house.Family members described Neelesh as hardworking, ambitious and deeply committed to supporting his family. The second of three siblings, he was looking forward to a promotion and salary hike this year.According to relatives, he wanted to improve his financial position before getting married and was contributing to the construction of a new family home where he hoped to begin married life.His father recalled that Neelesh had left home on Monday morning after seeking his parents’ blessings, a routine gesture that unknowingly became their final farewell.By evening, the family was confronted with the devastating reality that he would never return.The tragedy deepened further for Anamika’s family, as her 27-year-old cousin Somilya, who also worked at the institute, was among those killed in the fire.What had been a week of celebration and anticipation suddenly turned into one of unbearable grief.Officials said the fire broke out in the commercial building housing the training centre, trapping several students and staff members inside.Most of the victims were attending classes or working on the premises when the blaze rapidly spread through the building.Rescue teams rushed to the scene and evacuated several people, but many could not be saved.As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire and possible safety lapses, the human cost of the tragedy remains immeasurable.For the families of Neelesh Kumar and Anamika Samant, a journey that was meant to culminate in marriage and a shared future has instead ended in heartbreak. Their wedding plans now remain unfinished memories — a painful reminder of lives cut short by tragedy.
