Where there is a will, there is a way…
Ever felt like life was playing a relentless game of tug-of-war, holding you back just when you were finally stepping forward? I bet we all have. That moment when you’re staring at a mountain of challenges, wondering if the world is daring you to just give up. I had one of those moments recently. (here’s my attempt at storytelling)
It was supposed to be an easy end to Diwali break — I was at my cousin’s place, soaking up family time after 6 long months, and was ready to return home recharged. I was almost at the bottom of the staircase, with just one step left. Just one! How could a single step be a game-changer? But life has its surprises. Before I knew it, I was sprawled at the bottom with my foot twisting and my hands over my head(oh now I am terrified to live in bungalows). I went numb and then my foot started throbbing. “Just a sprain,” I reassured myself with a forced smile while my sister was massaging it (not to mention, that it was hurting like hell:<).
But nope! The doctor’s scary words pierced through my leftover hopes: “It’s a fracture.” FRACTURE! The word itself sounds like a crack in life’s plans, doesn’t it? I couldn’t help but think of all the difficulties I’d have to face for days ahead and how dependent I would have to be on others. But as they say, what is bound to happen will happen, no matter how close you are to safety.
My phone pinged as I sat there with my leg propped up, trying to wrap my head around weeks of bed rest. An email notification. I squinted and my eyes widened: an invitation from IIT Madras! For not one, but two case study competitions! I was on cloud nine. Excitement surged, but reality hit just as fast. College practicals too unfortunately were set for the same dates, and here I was, barely able to walk. (all three gunshots at once!)
“What do I do now?” I muttered to myself, picturing the paths ahead: one paved with pain and effort, the other with the comfort of rest. My heart knew the answer. “This is your shot,” it whispered. So, I accepted the invitation without a second thought. Of course, I wouldn't let my hard work go in vain. I spent my Diwali vacation making those business case study decks for what? To be not able to go? Heck no, I was supposed to go and I went.
My family, cousins, and friends asked: “You sure you wanna travel with that fractured foot of yours?”
“I bet I am going!” said I, to everyone. (not gonna lie, I almost cried thinking about the whole situation because somewhere it felt really tough)
With a walker boot firmly in place and the doctor’s warnings echoing in my head (“You need rest!”), I set off with my team to Chennai. (special thanks to them for dragging my wheelchair everywhere:>) Every step on the journey was a battle — sharp pains reminded me that my body wanted to rest, but my willpower kept saying, “Keep going! This too shall pass.”
We made our way to IIT Madras, unsure of what awaited us and what an experience it was!
The lush greenery and the vibrant life around me were captivating. It was like stepping into a hidden wildlife sanctuary, where nature and people lived in perfect harmony.
Deer were gracefully walking across pathways, monkeys playfully swinging from tree branches (some were snatching food from students; scary scene), and birds filled the air with their cheerful songs. It felt surreal to see so many animals coexisting with students and faculty, creating a scene unlike any other. The campus had a magic of its own, and I was immediately caught up in it. For a moment, the throb in my leg faded as I took in the breathtaking surroundings and felt a renewed sense of energy and happiness.
We worked tirelessly, laughed with new cool senior friends, and pushed through sleep-deprived nights making our final presentations. Was it easy? Not one bit. Did my leg hurt? Of course, a fracture hurts! But every ache was a reminder that I was exactly where I wanted to be, doing what I loved, refusing to let anything — be it pain, fear, or doubt — hold me back. Exams come and go, and pain can be endured, but a golden opportunity like this doesn’t come knocking twice. (PS: I did whine a lot, but luckily, my friends were there to handle me! Oh, and trust me, they didn’t go easy on me — they had a good laugh about my foot and wheelchair too! )
In the end, standing there with my team, looking out at the beautiful campus, it hit me: this is what they mean when they say, where there is a will, there is a way…
The path isn’t always smooth; sometimes it’s full of potholes, and sometimes you limp through it, but you make it. YOU DO MAKE IT.
So, I’ll ask you: What’s holding you back? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!
Know this — you are stronger than you think, you are greater than your thoughts, and no challenge is too great when your will is greater. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the messy, difficult step now. Open that door of opportunity, because you know, you can’t live the same moment twice.
So, what’s next for you? Your will is waiting to lead the way!
Update: Back to Pune and because of the significant stress on my foot, my bed rest has being extended for another month😭 .
I hope I kept you engaged till the very last.
Trying to be consistent with my every blog.
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