A story of a man who made the brave journey of love, cycling from India to Sweden to see his sweetheart, has gained the hearts of thousands online. A Facebook post, that has been linked more than 113,000 times, shares the tale of how Dr. Pradyumna Kumar Mahanandia crossed eight countries to be reunited with his wife Charlotte Von Schedvin in her native country.

The story began in 1975 when wealthy 19-year-old Charlotte Von Schedvin, who was a student in London at the time, travelled to India in 1975 to meet the poor but famous artist Mahanandia. The Indian was born in 1949 into a poor family in Odisha, Dhenkanal and was considered an untouchable in the society.

Although his family couldn’t afford his education, he managed to gain a place at the College of Art in New Delhi where word of his talent quickly spread.

In events that wouldn’t be out of place in a romantic movie, when the young Charlotte Von Sledvin met with the painter, the two fell in love with one another. He was greatly impressed by her beauty and she, with his pure simplicity. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, the pair shortly married.

In 1978, the time came for Charlotte to return to her native country, and she requested her husband join her back in Europe. However, Mahanandia was in the middle of his studies and said he would join her after these were completed. The couple stayed in touch through letters and despite Charlotte’s offers to send flight tickets, Mahanandia was determined to meet her in his own way.

Selling his belongings, he managed to get enough money to buy a second-hand bike and set out on the intrepid journey to be reunited. From New Delhi, the brave love-struck adventurer entered Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Germany, Austria and Denmark. It wasn’t all easy sailing. His bike broke down a lot of times along the way and he had to go on without food for days.

In total the trip took four months and three weeks before he finally reached Gothenburg, Sweden. Upon arrival, he was questioned by immigration officers, who were said to be amazed at his story of devotion after he shared photographs of his marriage.

Her parents welcomed him with open arms and 40 years later, the pair are still happily married. Dr PK Mahanandia serves as the Odiya Cultural Ambassador of India to Sweden and lives with his wife and two children in Sweden. He has become well-known in Sweden as an artist and as an adviser of Art and Culture, under the Swedish Government too.

Minnie May, aged three, was really very sick. She lay on the kitchen sofa, feverish and restless, while her hoarse (嘶哑的) breathing could be heard all over the house. Young Mary Joe, whom Mrs Barry had asked to stay with the children during her absence, was helpless and nervous, quite unable to think what to do, or do it if she thought of it.

Anne went to work with skill and rapidity.

“Minnie May has croup (哮吼); she' s pretty bad, but I've seen worse. First, we must have lots of hot water. There isn’t more than a cup in the kettle! There, I've filled it up, and Mary Joe, you may put some wood in the stove. I don't want to hurt your feelings, but it seems to me you might have thought of this before if you'd any imagination. Now, I' ll undress Minnie May and put her to bed, and you try to find some soft and warm clothes. Diana. I' m going to give her some ipecac first of all."

Minnie May did not take kindly to, but Anne had not brought up three pairs of twins for nothing. Down it went, not only once, but many times during the long, worrying night when the two little girls worked patiently over the suffering Minnie May, and Young Mary Joe, honestly did all she could, kept a fire burning and heated more water than would have been needed for a hospital of croupy babies.

It was three o' clock when Matthew came with the doctor, for he had been required to go all the way to Spencervale for one. But the pressing need for assistance was past. Minnie May was much better and was sleeping soundly.

On the way to his home the child turned many times and beat the dog, declaring with childish gestures that he held him in contempt as an unimportant dog. The dog apologized for being this quality of animal and expressed regret in fine form, but he continued stealthily to follow the child.

When the child reached his door-step, the dog was a few yards behind, moving slowly toward him. He became so anxious with shame when he again faced the child that he forgot the dragging rope. He tripped upon it and fell forward.

The child sat down on the step and the two had another interview. During it the dog greatly exerted himself to please the child. He performed a few playful jumps with such abandon that the child suddenly consider him to be a valuable thing. He made a swift, greedy dash and seized the rope.

He dragged his captive into a hall and up many long stairways in a dark building. The dog made willing efforts, but he could not walk very skillfully up the stairs because he was very small and soft, and at last the pace of the child grew so energetic that the dog became panic-stricken. In his mind he was being dragged toward somewhere unknown. His eyes grew wild with the terror of it. He began to wiggle his head wildly and to brace his legs.

The child redoubled his efforts. They had a battle on the stairs. The child was victorious because he was completely absorbed in his purpose, and because the dog was very small. He dragged his acquirement to the door of his home, and finally with victory across the doorway.

No family member was in. The child sat down on the floor and made overtures to the dog. These the dog instantly accepted. He smiled with affection upon his new friend. In a short time they were firm and abiding comrades.