Beauty Beyond Those Scars

Shreya was going through immense pain, in spite of the painkillers that were pumped into her body. Being an acid attack victim, had shattered her life to shambles. She felt totally hopeless and dreaded the path ahead.

That day, late after work, when she walked through the by-lanes leading towards her home. Shreya encountered those monsters standing there with a bottle in hand. She walked ahead ignoring their advances, but they followed her. She turned back with no signs of fear, one guy stepped ahead and asked, “Will you marry me?” He was a stalker since her college days. She had always ignored him and this time too. But he seemed to have made up his mind. He repeated his question, just to hear a big ‘No’ from her. Next moment, the bottle was flung open and the hazardous liquid splashed all over her face. Her world came to a grinding halt.

Her screams awakened the entire neighborhood. Shreya was wheeled into the hospital, near ones were informed about her condition. All were speechless seeing how intense her face had been burned, beyond recognition. Shreya’s cries shook up the entire hospital. After the initial medical care, the doctors advised her parents to shift Shreya to a specialized burn hospital in order to get the right treatment.

Burn hospitals are specialized in the treatment and recovery of patients with severe burns.

As directed, the parents did the needful. The doctors at the burn center followed their course of treatment.

The acid had penetrated deep within, causing inexplicable pain. Though her face was scarred, her vision was intact. Shreya was mentally broken by this incident. Each day she was losing her confidence. Her only hope was in Arav-her fiancé. She asked her parents to inform him, about her state.

Arav and Shreya were college friends, they both belonged to upper middle-class family. He had fallen for her beauty during their first meeting. Though, many guys fell for Shreya, but she was bowled over by Arav’s personality.

After completing his degree, Arav headed his family business, whereas Shreya worked with an interior designer. Their families met on knowing their interests and got them engaged.

Arav stood rooted on hearing Shreya’s sorry state. He rushed immediately to be by her side.

Shreya saw Arav walking towards her, she passed a faint smile. She wanted his gentle touch to ease her pain. But her happiness was short lived. He glanced at her. Next what followed left her in deep shock, without uttering a word, he removed the engagement ring and placed it beside her. He walked away without looking back. This was the final nail in the coffin, Shreya had lost all hope in life. The person whom she loved for 5 years, rejected her in one blow. There was nothing worst than this to happen.

After their breakup, Shreya never mingled with anyone, would keep staring at the white ceiling the entire day. Her parents tried all the possible means to boost her confidence, so did the doctors, but in vain.

It was more than 2 months of hospital stay, Shreya was well acquainted with the staffs. All were cordial to her. She came across other victims who were in worst shape than hers. Many had turned blind or even lost their lives. She thanked God for not putting her in such a grave situation. She realized who her true friends were after this incident.

Once, the acid attack survivors payed a visit to the hospital. They counselled the victims and tried to build confidence in them. Their stories, life experiences and fearless attitude helped the others to look ahead in life.

Shreya was overwhelmed to hear their part of story. She had made up her mind to never live in self- pity and to the mercy of others. Every day she strengthened her mind, by going through articles related to women empowerment and listening to TED talks.

Within 4 Months of hospital stay, she had gathered immense courage and confidence to lead the world. The organization she was working for, wholeheartedly welcomed her back. Shreya spend her weekends, motivating women and victims of acid attack, showcasing them the different possibilities of uplifting themselves.

In a couple of years, she found love again in Sachin. He ran an NGO for the underprivileged children.

He was touched by her noble deeds. After a brief courtship, they took the plunge. They both worked hand-in-hand for the betterment of society.

The scars had left her bruised, but deep within Shreya was still beautiful changing many lives. She never opted for plastic surgery to get back her looks, for beauty is not on the outside but skin deep.