Greatest achievement

"I would like to call Mrs.Falak on to the stage to receive her Doctorate of Philosophy."

Falak climbed the stage and she had tears in her eyes as the certificate was handed over to her. She was asked to say a few words on her achievement. She moved on to the microphone and started speaking -

"I was born with scoliosis. As I grew up, I started losing my confidence because I was bullied at school. I didn't have the courage to answer them back or share it with my parents. I suffered for a very long time until one day when it became unbearable I shared it with my mother. She was sad but what made her more sad was I was losing my confidence. I still remember those words which she said -" Allah has made you. He has created you with a purpose. Don't hear the taunts, you just focus on your strength. Focus on your studies and learn to stand for yourself. Education has the power to shut people's mouth. What will you get by crying? You will be called  a loser. Smile at those who think you are weak. Smile, move on and achieve your goals." Those words were enough to build my courage. I worked hard and started doing well at school. I started loving myself. I scored the highest mark in my tenth standard. Next came the college and there too I was bullied. But this time I didn't care. I studied hard.

But I didn't know that I had to face one more important stage in my life. The stage of marriage. Many people rejected me. I didn't want to feel bad but it started affecting me. My parents who were my pillars till now started falling weak to societal pressure. I couldn't see them sad but I was helpless. Finally, one day my day came. I was married to someone. I didn't want to but I had to. I had many dreams about marriage in my life. I thought it would be a bed of roses. But, I forgot girls like me would never be accepted in this society. All my dreams shattered when my greedy in laws started torturing me for dowry. They tortured me and I couldn't do anything. There were many sleepless nights where I would question the Almighty 'Why me?' Why was I prey to societal pressure?' 

Initially, I had the patience to bear it but later it became suffocating. I didn't want my parents to know anything. I bore everything until one say my father in law said -" Be grateful to us. If we didn't accept you , you would have been left unmarried. You are of no use to anyone."  My husband was silent , he didn't speak anything which made evident that he too thought the same. 

I had no other way than leaving that home. No one really wanted to stop me either. I had no reason to stay there.  I was shattered.  

These many years of marriage and love just ended because I wasn't like others. My physical disability became a thorn everywhere.

 Where would I go? This question lingered on my mind.I couldn't face my parents! What if they too thought the same about me? I had to face this! I reached my parents home and my Abba was in tears.

 My father in laws words kept ringing in my ears as I was leaving that house he said,"Where will you go? I am sure your parents wouldn't want to keep you. You were a burden to them so they married you to my son."

I was hopeless and questioned my parents. I can never forget that day. My Abba said, "I will not send my daughter to a place where she isn't valued just because Allah made her different. You aren't a burden. You are my daughter and my pillar." 

My mother said, " Just because you are like this, no one has the right to oppress you. You are precious to us. This is your house and you have every right to come here. How can you fall weak? If they dont need you, you also don't need them. Dont waste your tears, energy and time for them. Move on, you have so many doors open for you. The Almighty has just closed one door but instead has opened hundred other doors.I hugged them tightly and that day I came to know that no one loves me truly other than my parents.

It wasnt easy for me and my parents. I was despaired many times. But now I had a reason to live, one life was growing inside me. I wanted to live and my child.My parents were judged and even I was for leaving my life partner. Many said ," Why couldn't you keep quiet? Girls are meant to be silent when they are treated like that, after all they helped you by accepting your disability." Those words pricked me but it gave me immense strength to move forward also.

There was no looking back. I applied for a teaching job and started learning again. I stood strong.And here I am today, standing with my head up. 

I would like to thank Allah for his helping hand in every step of my life.I would like to thank my parents for supporting me. I would like to thank those people who rejected, taunted and insulted me. Without your push I would have never discovered my wings.

A physical disability is never a barrier for your achievement. This world is created by Allah and he has created each one of us in a beautiful and unique way. Each individual is special. Accept and love yourself. Stand against oppression and find the straight path.

Thank you."

Falak ended her speech. She still had tears in her eyes. These were tears of joy. Finally,the day had come where she could answer those people who thought she was weak. She was strong enough to fight back.

"What do you think is the greatest achievement in your life?" -someone asked Falak.

"It's when my daughter says, you are my inspiration mumma." Falak smiled.