November 1, 2003

“You can do it, come on you can,” I encouraged myself as I gradually moved my wheelchair onto the stage. Sharp lights pierced my eyes as I proceeded towards the judge.

Just like my legs I felt that my hands had also been paralyzed. Nervous, yet well aware of the numerous envious stares my physiognomy was receiving I guiltily moved. After receiving my award I turned to wave to my parents — the only ones whom I felt were always there for me. In the dense crowd of spectators figuring out my parents was rather impossible. But for a brief moment my eyes got locked with the soft ones of some stranger sitting right in the corner of the auditorium.

Considering it my imagination I moved off the stage, my mind rejoicing yet my heart sinking. Rather suddenly a sweaty hand brushed my warm shoulder.

“Hey!” Said the deep voice of the stranger, “dear why should there be tears in such beautiful eyes.”

I turned around to find someone whom I failed to recognize. Probably ignoring my astonished glance he went on, “My name is Daniel, and I am a final year medical student. Unable to say anything I simply took his extended hand and grasped it — feeling as if I had gained a friend. He took a seat next to me and we started talking. We communicated for about 15 minutes during which I forgot all about my paralysis and had started travelling on the clouds.

After 15 minutes he waved me goodbye and took my email address. As he left I felt that he was walking out of my life forever; then I felt a pair of comforting arms encircle my shoulder to give me the realization of the warmth of a mother’s love for her daughter.

He did not leave my life so soon; he met me, he talked to me and not long afterwards he became my best friend. I started sharing all the sorrows of my life with him and began to laugh with him in my happiness. But destiny had to bring this relationship to an end. He gave his exams and decided to leave for abroad for higher studies.

Our last communication was at the airport. He was departing and I wanted to wish him all the luck. With a cheerful smile for my dear friend and a bunch of red roses as a symbol of my friendship I moved forward. He was there, all surrounded by friends. My wheel chair crushed the foot of a friend of his by mistake. I muttered an apology but it wasn’t of any use, instead the girl slapped me in return and said, “If you do not have legs at least have some sense”. Tears strung in my eyes which suddenly started burning. The flowers fell off my hand, and I simply looked at Daniel.

The pang of guilt rising in my heart simply vanished as I saw Daniel making his way through the group of friends to defend me. But, he had something else to say. “How dare you do that, I never expected such a stupid attitude from you,” he shouted and then taking his friend’s hand he marched off.

I just looked at him. It was all so unbelievable. He hadn’t been like that ever. I wanted to wave out to him but he didn’t even turn once. Tears flooded my eyes like a stream, but I was helpless. I felt weak again but this time I was in the arms of my mother, the only one there for me forever and ever in my life.

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