In The World Of darkness....full of light....

"I am blessed"; recently I purchased a cute tee with this punch line written on it which is the truth of my life. In this cradle of luxuries I am fortunate enough to experience no sorrow but bliss. I can see, feel and listen the beauty of this world along with its ugliness. I still remember the incident that changed my entire life and purpose of living. And today I can proudly claim that I have been through this world of darkness. Alas! I wouldn't have been the same if I would not have met her. It was right one year back when I was in the final year of my graduation. One sultry afternoon I was about to leave for home after the classes, when my eyes spotted her. A meek looking girl with bruised arms drenched with sweat all over was sitting secluded on the stairs under the burning sun. The kind heart in me ceased me from ignoring her. I don't know why but when her wet eyes came to my notice, I felt she needed someone desperately. Without a second thought I went up to her. It seemed she did not welcome the very idea of engaging into a conversation with a stranger. I was adamant. I sat besides her. Even before she could speak anything I popped out a question; "What is it that grieves you so much?" She looked straight and after observing five minutes silence she wiped her eyes and softly replied; "Whoever you are thank you for the sympathy but the reason for the tears in my eyes is not any grief but happiness". What a nerd I could be, I thought unable to differentiate between the tears of sorrow and Joy?! This made me more curious. I was no more apprehensive neither was she. I wanted to know more. I asked what kind of joy is it that you wish to share it with no one but loneliness? Her smile confused me. Her answer made me numb for a moment. Her words went somewhat like this; "Since last few minutes we met, my tears could not stop you from thinking about the reason behind them. In the entire conversation we had you failed to notice just one thing, I cannot see. I am visually impaired. the tears begin to flow again from her eyes and the file she held closed to her heart bore the burden of it. She further continued; " I am not crying because I am blind. Bringing that file in front of her eyes as if she could see, she pointed; "This is the reason for my happiness. My Graduation Degree. After three years of hardship and struggle I have got this I longed for. And, I can reminisce the tortures and pain I had undergone when I used to travel in the crowded DTC buses and harassed by people who took undue advantage of my blindness and gender. How I struggled to get a single room in my college hostel. All this pain today doe snot pinches me. Rather my past makes me proud of myself. i slogged day in and day out alone in this big bad world to survive and turn my dream into reality. In my hands I hold the most precious thing in front of me. Nothing today makes me sad, neither loneliness nor the bitter past....Just one wish I have at this moment, Only if I could once see my degree which I now hold tightly in my hands. I have no desire to see the world or the beauty of the nature but this piece of paper that has given me a reason to live with hope and happiness". I was loss of words. the numbness departed and I wished to leave her alone. I hugged her tightly and congratulated her. Gave her my contact and assured her that I will be there for any help she would need in future and now she has found in me a friend forever. And I left as soon as possible."I am blessed". I realised the value of this three letter word after this journey through the world of darkness. All this makes me feel guilty a bit. Despite of being gifted with more than I could ever ask for I crib, I worry, I snob, I get frustrated. But now when I think about her I feel she is more blessed than me her world of darkness is no more dark, there is light of hope, of patience and peace. I wish my bright world could be as bright as hers.