illusion of joy-journey through blindness

"Radha, this lavender dress looks so beautiful on you! I wish you could see it. Anyway, change into something else and go to bed."

Radha quietly returns to her room, holding onto the staircase, and reflects to herself, "Yes, Ma... I wish I could see myself, see the world."

Reflecting deeply and feeling saddened by her visual impairment, she fell asleep wishing, "Ah... how wonderful it would be if God had granted me the chance to see the world and be like everyone else."

With a mind full of thoughts, she went to sleep. In the morning, she woke up abruptly to the sound of the alarm. Her mother entered the room, yelling, Radha, it's been ringing for 10-15 minutes! Can't you hear it? Can you not hear? It's already late.

Hurry up and get ready; look, your younger sisters are already prepared. Learn from them.

Radha tossed and turned in her bed, still feeling drowsy, wondering why her mom was being so strict today. She had never acted this way with me before and gradually opened her eyes.

Ahhh...what??? She jolted awake and sat up in shock. For the first time in her life, she could see everything clearly—the bed she was on and everything around her. She couldn't believe it. Reflecting on what she was observing, she wondered, What is happening to me?

How could it be. . . how is it possible for me to see? I believe God has fulfilled my desire. How joyful my family will be to learn that I can see. I need to tell my mom about this right away.

She dashed into the kitchen and embraced her mother tightly, overflowing with excitement as she exclaimed, "Mom, I can see everything! I can see you and everyone around me! "

Her mother, preoccupied with chores and frustrated, shouted, "What’s gotten into you today? Have you lost your mind? Did you wake up from some kind of dream? What do you mean you can see now?

Were you blind before, Radha? It's already late, so stop making jokes. ”

Radha was bewildered. She turned away, unable to grasp why her mother reacted that way. Her sisters came in, urging her to get ready quickly, as they typically headed to school together.

None of them seemed amazed that Radha could see now. Confused, she prepared herself and went to her room to grab her notebooks and bag. Upon seeing the college name on her notebook, she was taken aback.

It wasn't the school for the blind that she used to attend; it was the same one her sisters went to. She didn’t have any books with braille letters. Everything was normal. At that moment, she thought, "There is a glitch in the matrix. Something has changed; perhaps I’m in a parallel universe.

Whatever it is, I’m incredibly happy. I had only imagined how beautiful the world could be, but it surpasses my visions, beyond anything I could have ever imagined! "

With joy, she prepared herself and, accompanied by her sisters, entered the new school, making her way into the classroom. It felt as though everyone recognized her and greeted her warmly. She endeavored to act as naturally as possible. During the first period, her Math teacher handed back the answer sheet from a recent test. Scoring 40 out of 50 brought her satisfaction. She enjoyed the entire day at her new college, surrounded by new friends. In the evening, she walked home blissfully, soaking in the ambiance of the streets.

Upon arriving home, her mother was displeased with her tardiness and exclaimed, "Why are you late? " Radha responded, "Sorry, Mom. I was just strolling in the parks and chatting outside. "

“I’ve told you countless times, don’t roam around. By the way, were you supposed to get your math answer sheet back? Did you receive it? ” Radha replied cheerfully, “Yes, Mom, I got 40/50. ”

“Radha, what is this? You should aim for full marks. Why did you lose ten points? ” her mother said. “We need to enroll her in evening tutoring. I hoped she would manage it, but she isn't taking her studies seriously. She needs a strong percentage in her twelfth grade if she wants to get into a good college,” her mother remarked to Radha’s father.

Feeling disheartened, Radha refreshed herself and headed straight to her room. She had almost forgotten that she could now see everything. Although she could visually perceive the world around her, everything felt foreign. It seemed as though she was in an unfamiliar realm. Previously, the world had been gentler to her. Her mom and dad always spoke kindly, and her family showered her with affection. Even strangers on the streets were sympathetic and caring. Now her own family acted as if they were strangers. A wave of emotions washed over Radha as she reflected on her past. Whenever she managed to get decent score, her parents were filled with joy and encouraged her pursuits. Yet, she recalled that her siblings didn’t receive the same level of support, as her parents spoke to them differently. “Ah, yes. I neglected certain truths; because they possess all their senses, the world seemed tougher for them. They didn't take into account the depths of their hearts and their true capabilities. I always envied them for their ability to see the world more fully and perceived them as more competent than I was. But now I realize I was mistaken; I understand profoundly how they’ve always felt. ”

Seated and with her eyes closed, she prayed to God, "Please, God, I am not content in this reality; I wish to return to my former self and change things. " Suddenly, she awakened to her mother’s affectionate voice.

“Radha, dear, wake up; it’s time for college,” and everything reverted to its previous state. From that moment on, Radha no longer harbored regret, and she supported her siblings wholeheartedly.