Apart from getting help from friends and relatives, the couple has also been assured of a monthly supply of 10 kg food grains for six months from the local administration under the latest government resolution.

Maqbool Fakir, a motor mechanic, and his wife Sabnam, after their discharge from the Rajkot Civil Hospital, returned to their one-room apartment at Anandnagar Colony on Kotharia Road on Wednesday. A day before, the couple was admitted to the Civil Hospital after they had consumed poison.

Maqbool’s work as mechanic at a small garage used to fetch him Rs 100 to Rs 150 everyday. He also had to pay Rs 350 as monthly rent for using the cabin.

Maqbool said he was not getting any clients during the last fortnight. Whatever little cash he had with him was spent in buying daily essentials for the family.

It was on January 29 that the couple last bought flour from whatever money they had with them. After that, the couple had to go hungry for the next three days.

“My family members and friends, like me, live in a very poor financial condition. Instead of putting them into trouble by asking for help, we decided to end our lives,” said Maqbool

On Wednesday, when the couple returned home, friends and relatives provided them with food grains and other essentials.

“My friends and father-in-law have come forward to help us,” said Maqbool whose other five siblings work as labourers and are not in a position to help the family.

Thirty-year-old Maqbool and 20-year-old Sabnam, who hails from Wankaner in Rajkot district, have been married for a year and a half.

Rajkot district civil supply office has also swung into action. A DSO team headed by supply officer M Makwana called on the couple to asses the situation.

“The couple was in trouble for the last few days but they did not ask help from their relatives,” said Makwana.

He further said, “For six months from February onwards, the couple will be given 10 kg ration under the government resolution released on January 15.

Makwana said the resolution ensures supply of essential food grains for six months to those people or families who live below poverty line and are unable to buy ration due to some sickness or other constraints.