It was five years ago that Raj heard her for the first time. She sounded like an angel to him, so sweet and musical. He didn’t even have the courage to turn to look in her direction and kept working. For the first time in his life, Raj felt his heartbeat in his ears and his blood rushing to his cheeks.
Raj wanted to turn towards the sound but knew it wouldn’t make any difference. Nobody noticed him ever. He lived in his isolated bubble not talking to anyone. In all his life he had never felt the need to make friends. Other people made him feel out of place and he didn’t want to feel that way. But that day was different, that voice was different. First time in his life he felt the need to talk to someone other than his family. He wanted to talk to her, listen to that magical voice. But then she stopped talking and he had no way of knowing who it was.
He didn’t hear her again for 2 days. This time he found the courage to talk to her. He was scared that even she would be awkward around him like everyone else. But he couldn’t stop himself. As he found his way towards her voice, all he could ask was excuse me… Do you have a pen?’
He knew it was lame and silly but she gave him a pen anyways. She also chatted with him for the next few minutes. Her name was Meghna and she had recently joined the firm as a junior developer.
For the next few days Raj and Meghna would chat every day going on about current projects and how was Meghna adjusting in the new office. Soon the conversations shifted from work to random things. They would laugh and discuss philosophy.
They would often go for lunch together. Meghna liked her time with Raj. He was smart and funny. He was caring and friendly. She knew he wouldn’t care if she made her hair or didn’t if she dressed up or looked just plain. His smile never depended on the way she looked and there was never any judgment in his eyes.
Raj wanted to tell her his feelings but always stopped and changed the subject. He knew Meghna would want someone who is complete. Someone who could tell her how beautiful she is and what a treasure she is to behold. Raj could never do that, his words would sound like a lie even in his mind. But he couldn’t even imagine her with someone else. He was caught between what he thought was right and what he wanted. When he realized he was getting too involved, he decided he will try and stay away from Meghna. He thought that was the best thing for both of them.
Meghna was all confused by Raj’s behavior. He seemed distant. He had not spoken to her properly for nearly a fortnight. He wouldn’t come to lunch with her and said nothing when she asked him about it. She wanted to know what had happened. Why did he suddenly cut her up? Did she say something to hurt him? Did she do something that pushed him away? So many questions tormented her. She started getting depressed by the helplessness she felt. She didn’t know what to do.
Raj wasn’t very happy either but he was doing what he felt was correct. One day Meghna confronted him while he was walking home. She seemed fuming and very disturbed. She screamed at him for ignoring her and demanded an answer. With a feeling of guilt, he explained his feelings expecting her to see sense. His reasons kind of aggravated her more. Meghna felt deranged hearing the reasons Raj was giving her.
Time went by and they became close friends again. The day Raj proposed Meghna said ‘Yes’ with a huge grin. Then Meghna said something to Raj that makes him look foolish even today, ‘Do you remember you asked me for a pen the first time we met?’ ‘Yes, how can I forget?’ ‘Well…. You had a pen in your shirt pocket all the while.’ And they both laughed at his stupidity.
It was a big task to make Meghna’s parents agree for the marriage. They didn’t want someone like Raj for their daughter. They couldn’t understand why Meghna wanted to marry Raj but Meghna was stubborn and wouldn’t hear a thing against him.
After lots of cajoling, they finally gave in. Raj was the happiest man on earth on the day of his wedding. Finally, the day had come when he would never feel awkward or out of place again because Meghna never made him realize he is blind and that’s all that mattered.