A 27-year-old priest from Vuqele in Tavua who was in the middle of preparing for his wedding in July is still in shock after a fire destroyed their home yesterday.
Shelvin Vishal Sharma and his family are now staying at a relative's house.
Sharma says there were two flats in his house which had a total of 19 bedrooms and it was occupied by him, their mother, uncle, aunty, his brothers and their families.
Sharma says they have sustained a loss of more than $300,000.
He adds that his grandparents returned from India a month ago and brought items for the wedding which was all destroyed in the fire.
Sharma says his wedding was planned to be held on 12th July but he has now extended that plan as his first priority is to build a house for his family of 14.
They are yet to decide how they will build their house.
They are yet to decide how they will build their house
Sharma and his mother were in Suva when the fire happened while his brother was in Lautoka.
The 27-year-old says their main source of income comes from the religious activities he and his brother conduct.
Sharma says his villagers and other relatives have assisted them with groceries and other necessities.
He is also seeking help from people to assist him during this difficult time.
The National Fire Authority says their investigations have been completed and there is a probable cause that the fire is electrical related.
