You Are Bigger Than Your Problems. You Are Stronger Than Your Pain [#Shortlisted]

“Why can’t my life be like an ordinary person’s?” “Because you are destined to do something extraordinary,” a voice came from her right.

She was lying on the hospital bed, her right hand stretched out, and a pair of thick needles with a catheter inserted into her surgically created arteriovenous fistula. The incessant peeping sound of the dialysis machine made her nauseated.

Jhanvi was gazing at the ceiling silently. She was just 21. How would a girl who had so many aspirations and the passion for them in her heart feel, when suddenly one day she gets the news that both her kidneys have failed? Jhanvi was going through that pain. Not only that, but her 1 year old marriage was also at stake now.

“I will never leave you what come may. I would be your pillar of strength,” she murmured to herself the words which had been said to her on the first day of their marriage. “Ha! It was all fake. Everyone is selfish in this world. Not everyone passes the test of time.” She winced and looked at the catheter tube which carried blood from her vein to the dialysis machine for purification. She turned her head to the other side. She just could not bear this sight. To her left, her mother was sitting on a chair. Tired, tense, sad, still having a dull smile on her face. Jhanvi knew this smile was put up just for her, to make her feel good.

She could not help but ask her mother,”Why me, Ma? What have I done to deserve this? Why can’t I lead a normal life? Just when I hoped to kickstart my boutique business, you got me married. It was my foremost desire to become a fashion designer.” Her mother was listening silently. “All my awards in academics, my degree from the fashion academy went in vain. And now when I was thinking of settling in my married life, my kidneys failed! Why can’t my life be like an ordinary person’s?”

“Because you are destined to do something extraordinary,” a voice came from her right. Jhanvi turned to see a young charming lady standing at the door with a charismatic smile.

“Dr. Rama? Hi doctor. How are you?”

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“Well. This is what makes you extraordinary Jhanvi. See, you are on bed and you are asking me how I am. This can only be said by a strong lady like you.” She continued, “You don’t know your strength dear, but others can see.”

Jhanvi closed her eyes and gave a pained smile.

“Hmm… just one more hour and your dialysis is done.” Dr. Rama said.

“It’s not going to be over so soon ma’am!”

“Okay no… listen… look at me.” Jhanvi opened her eyes. Dr. Rama was looking straight into her eyes. She said,”Everyone has to face problems in his or her life. Some problems are small and some are big. But every hardship has the capability to change a person. Now this depends upon you, whether you would change for better or worse. Just accept the truth Jhanvi. You will have to go through 100 more dialysis sessions, then the pain of kidney transplant will come. Now this is upon you… whether you want to give your hand with a smile or with sorrow.”

Jhanvi was listening as if she was hypnotized. Each and every word of Dr. Rama was getting absorbed by her soul.” Mark my words Jhanvi,” Dr. Rama said, “You are bigger than your problems. You are much stronger than your pain. After a few years when you will think about this phase of your life, it will leave a beautiful smile on your face. Because this phase of your life is going to be the most inspiring milestone. Thank your God that he has chosen you to come out of the normal path and be an inspiration to others. Show all how to live life to the fullest.”

  …….

The ringtone of the phone distracted Jhanvi from her musings. She looked at the phone. An unknown number. She looked at the clock beside her. It was 2:00 p.m.

She picked up the phone.”Hello. Am I speaking to Miss Jhanvi Maheshwari?”

“Yes. May I know who is this?”

“Good afternoon ma’am. I am Subir Mehta from Mindset magazine, India’s most renowned social magazine. Our editorial team has nominated you for the most inspirational woman of the year for the work you have been doing in various fields. You are one of the most inspiring professors, a motivational speaker, philanthropist, one of the top fashion designers, and have inspired so many young women to come out of the shell, and live their life on their own terms with self respect. We are looking forward  to have you on the show ma’am.”

“Okay. I will come. Thank you so much for the nomination and invitation.”

She put the phone down with a smile on her face. It was a placid one.

She looked at the calender. 12^th jan 2017. It had been exactly 14 years since her kidney transplant. The words of Dr. Rama still rang in her ears…most encouraging and life changing words…

“After a few years when you will think about this phase of your life, it will leave a beautiful smile on your face.”

She took her phone and messaged Dr. Rama.

Thank you Dr. Really… Normal is overrated.

Image source: shutterstock

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