“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
Priyanka’s childhood was a whisper in a crowded room, easily missed. Back then, being quiet and keeping to herself made her an outsider. Kids called her names, and friends pretended to be her companions, only to abandon her later, but she believed that good people still exist and she still kept on trusting people. Each betrayal stung, leaving Priyanka feeling like a lone chick lost in a storm.
At 15, while staring at her reflection in a dusty window, a thought struck her. “Maybe,” she whispered, “if I had fair skin, they’d like me.” This belief, fueled by the world around her, became an obsession. Fairer skin, she thought, was the key to love and acceptance.
So, Priyanka embarked on a mission to lighten her skin, using strange concoctions and harsh chemicals that stung more than they helped. The only change she saw was the fading of her innocence, replaced by a cold numbness. This numbness, however, became her shield. She threw herself into her studies, finding solace in numbers and facts. As she climbed the academic ladder, she vowed never to be vulnerable again.
Even in college, she made the mistake of trusting people, but was again betrayed in the worst ways. This made her believe that people were only interested in being her friends because of her money, which her father generously provided.
When she was 22, her father died. Those who claimed to be her friends and well-wishers abandoned her, pushing her into the depths of depression. While she had given up on her desire to live, she wasn’t suicidal.
Years flew by in a blur of work and success. Priyanka became a force to be reckoned with in the world of finance, her sharp mind and steely resolve making her unstoppable. But her success came at a cost. She built walls around her heart, brick by emotionless brick. Priyanka had everything money could buy, but a part of her felt like a beautiful, empty room.
One evening, as she sipped wine in her swanky penthouse overlooking South Bombay, a call on Facebook Messenger shattered the silence. It was Tripti, her childhood friend, the one who’d betrayed her in the worst way.
“Priyanka,” she stammered, “I just wanted to say congratulations. You’ve come a long way.”
Priyanka studied her, her voice as cold as the diamonds on her fingers. “Tripti, to what do I owe this unexpected call?”
Tripti fumbled for words. “I, uh, I just wanted to apologize. For everything. I was young, stupid, and didn’t know any better.”
Priyanka scoffed. “Apologies are cheap, Tripti. They can’t mend what’s broken.”
“I know,” she said, her voice thick with regret. “But I just wanted you to know.”
Tripti was about to disconnect, but then paused. “You’re strong, Priyanka. Stronger than you think.”
Her words echoed in the room long after the call ended. Priyanka stood there, a statue carved from ice, a battle raging silently within her. The numbness she’d built her life on felt hollow now. She knew she was strong, and she also knew that people sometimes hurt those they see as strong, believing they can handle it.
That night, as she stared at the star-dusted sky, memories flooded back, both happy and painful. Each one chipped away at the wall she’d built. A tear escaped, the first in years, a testament to the buried longing for connection.
Slowly, Priyanka began to thaw. She reached out, tentatively at first, to her colleagues and in-laws. To her surprise, they welcomed her with open arms.
One evening, at a family gathering, her husband, Rohan, saw the change in her eyes. “Are you okay, Priyanka?” he asked softly.
Priyanka met his gaze, a newfound vulnerability there. “I’m learning to feel again, Rohan,” she confessed. “It’s scary, but it’s also freeing.”
Rohan smiled, taking her hand. “It’s okay to be scared, Priyanka. But remember, you’re not alone.”
The journey of healing was long and hard, but Priyanka, for the first time in her life, allowed herself to hope. She still doesn’t have many friends, and trust comes slowly, but she was no longer the girl who hid in the shadows. Priyanka was learning to live, to love, and to feel again.
“We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in.” – Ernest Hemingway
Name of characters changed to protect identity and privacy. The story is inspired by true events.
This was really powerful. I could really feel her struggles and her continuing struggle to move forward, even as far as accepting the apology.
This was such a beautiful story. Hope is always important to have. Sometimes it can be difficult to have hope when life gets tough, but I always try to remember to have it.
This post brought back so many memories for me. I too was bullied as a kid.
This was such an incredibly powerful story. Thank you for taking the time to write it and share it with us… and encouraging us to think about the lives of those around us. You never quite know what someone else is going through!
This is such a beautiful and moving story. I really loved it. It can be really hard to have hope sometimes, but that is something we all need is hope.
There’s a quote I saw somewhere not too long ago that says be kind because you do not know what the other person is struggling with and this is very true. As a human being, sometimes it is in our nature to look at someone from a first impression point of view. But what we really need to do is be kind to those that are around us. After all, we all do not live the same life and it is immature to assume that we do. There is a Priyanka in all of us and we should always try to build each other up no matter how different we are.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I can relate. Growing up I didn’t have a ton of friends. I’m still that was as an adult. I keep to myself and don’t let many people in. I’ve been burned way too many times to count.
What a powerful and inspiring story! It’s amazing to see how Priyanka was able to break down the walls she had built around her heart and begin to feel again. It’s a true testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of vulnerability. It’s wonderful to see her husband and loved ones support her on her journey of healing. This story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living, loving, and feeling again.
Reading “And She Bloomed Again” on With Love Moni was truly touching. The vulnerability and strength shine through in every word, making it a powerful and relatable story. Life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming, but the journey of resilience and self-discovery serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles. The ability to find beauty and growth amidst adversity is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing this story. It remind us all that even in our darkest moments, there is always the possibility for renewal and growth.
Priyanka’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s heartbreaking to read about the trials she faced, from feeling isolated because of her appearance to the betrayals that led her to build walls around her heart!
A beautifully written story. Priyanka stole my heart with empathy in the beginning and she strengthened my soul in the end.
Everyone has to face their tough times and there’s always hope at the end of the tunnel. Thanks for sharing this beautifully written story and I enjoyed reading it.
Wow, what a powerful story. I can relate in so many ways, her struggles were real and so many of us can relate I know I can.
What a wonderful story, that made us think of the struggle that Priyanka was having, I sure can relate to her.
Such a powerful and relatable story. It is nice to read about overcoming challenges. I think so many of us can relate to going through difficulties like this.
Your story shows how reaching out to someone (like Tripti did for whatever reason) can make a big difference in their lives and also that words do matter – so much. A story of hope and heart
The story truly resonated with me, and I found myself deeply enjoying the message of hope it conveyed after challenging times. Its uplifting narrative served as a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is always a glimmer of light to guide us through.
I can very much relate to that – I was bullied as a kid because I had to wear glasses – I also lost my father when I was 22. It made me stronger
These stories really hit home, reminding us of the power of perseverance, the importance of hope, and the value of empathy in our lives.
Great story, apart from our strength we also need people who understand us. Thank you for sharing this story.
What a story! I am glad that she never lose hope and continues to live life. Life can be difficult but we must be strong to face the challenges.
I feel like Priyanka because I had a hard childhood and am a sensitive person. I started to understand I was strong about five years ago, and now I feel like I am wholesome. Such inspirational stories give hope to all hurt people.
LOVE this story as it has so many powerful message and about never giving up and how we can still rise after a fall. Priyanka as a person within the story clearly has a strong character and a strong will for sure xx
It’s never too late to make that big decision of standing up for yourself and saying you are right and you can do this.
This is a nice story, there are a lot of lesson that you can have after reading it. I really like this!
Reading “And She Bloomed Again” was deeply moving. Your resilience and courage inspire me to face life’s challenges with strength and embrace my own journey of healing. Hope to read more such works.
Many people experience insecurity while growing up, often leading to making wrong choices in friendships. However, overcoming such challenges only strengthens us. I believe life’s best teacher is the experience gained and the lessons learned from it. This story beautifully illustrates that point!
I think we all know Priyanka very well ! We all have been her at some point in life and as truly pointed out we do have to stand up for ourselves at the end of the day ! Very well written piece
Wow, what a moving and uplifting tale! It’s just so cool to witness Priyanka tearing down those emotional walls she’d put up and getting back in touch with her feelings. It really shows how resilient the human spirit is and how being open and vulnerable can be so powerful. It’s awesome to see her husband and the people who care about her standing by her side as she heals. This story is a nudge that it’s never too late to kickstart living, loving, and embracing those emotions once more.
God bless people like Priyanka who go through this everyday. Outward appearances are so admired in today’s world, no one looks at the inner beauty.
This is deep. And I have known of similar people. It’s not easy to break and then mend again.
I think one of the biggest and bestest lesson I have learnt is the strength of vulnerability. Your story portrayed that beautifully. We’re all meant to be a little bit broken so we can also shine that much brighter.
I love the title Moni… so beautiful and so apt for your story. One good thing about your protagonist Priyanka is that despite the rejections and the shell she lived in, she became independent and made a very good life for herself… not all ‘Priyankas’ can manage to do that… they succumb to the nastiness of the world around.
In that regard, I loved your story… it gives out a very positive message.
This is a beautiful story. Sometimes being vulnerable is an advantage to others. I’m glad that she is coming out of the wall and welcomed by all ..
I so relate to Priyanka, as I can feel her. Even I am betrayed by people whenever I trust them. Recently, I helped a girl (a so-called friend), and once she got the benefits of my help, she backstabbed me again. I guess, now a days the world is becoming this cruel where the existence of good people is dying slowly.
Life is all about ups and downs that keep testing our limits. It’s good to see how Priyanka have emerged victorious and found her peace in her special way. Great narration!
This was such a moving and yet a very inspiring story. All we ever want in life is not money or power, but acceptance and love from people around us. And when we get that, life seems so beautiful.
To be broken and to accept that. To let go of hate, and accept that. I think both are important. Our vulnerabilities can be our strength or our weakness, it is we who has to choose.
Your use of Ernest Hemingway’s quote, “We are all broken, that’s how the light gets in,” beautifully encapsulates the essence of Priyanka’s journey. It’s a reminder that our vulnerabilities and struggles are not weaknesses, but rather opportunities for growth and healing.
Thank you for sharing this touching story, inspired by true events. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and the healing power of connection.
“You’re strong, Priyanka. Stronger than you think.”
These are the words that for me form the essence of your story. Being strong is so tiring, it makes you stop being vulnerable and stonelike. I’ve always heard this, ‘It’s ok you got it, you are strong, maybe that’s why it’s you. No one else could’ve gone through what you did.’ I so feel Priyanka, all that she went through, the betrayals by friends, and life in general. Hugs to her and may she DOESN’T stay strong, rather may she be human and find her joy and peace.
I can feel Priyanka struggle and pain. But I strongly believe that she never give up and succeed in life. She also knows she is stronger but she wanted to feel again. Love the way you portrayed Moni. The lesson of hope is worthy
We humans often judge based on first impressions. Yet, we must extend kindness, understanding that everyone leads a unique life Just the day before yesterday I was waiting for the doctor to come for almost one hour. The receptionist was the least bothered that my appointment was an hour ago. But after listening to my conversation with the doctor, she said you look so posh, but you have gone through so much and you are so gracious!! Judgemental!
The title is beautiful and apt, the story compelling. Priyanka comes across as a strong woman who created a shield around her so that she wouldn’t be hurt again. However, her metamorphosis and the joy it brought her are delightful. Loved your story! “You are stronger than you think!”
Priyanka’s journey is a strong reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of self-discovery. From a childhood marked by isolation and the pursuit of unattainable standards of beauty to a successful yet emotionally guarded adulthood, Priyanka’s story reflects the complexities of navigating through life’s challenges.
The pivotal moment of reconnecting with her past, particularly with Tripti, highlights the importance of forgiveness and the capacity for growth. Despite the scars of betrayal and loss, Priyanka’s willingness to thaw her emotional barriers and embrace vulnerability is a testament to her inner strength and resilience.
Her journey toward healing and self-acceptance is beautifully portrayed, demonstrating the transformative power of acknowledging one’s emotions and embracing connections with others. Through the support of her husband and the gradual opening of her heart, Priyanka rediscovers the beauty of living authentically and embracing the journey of self-discovery.
Ultimately, Priyanka’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find healing, hope, and the courage to embrace life’s challenges with newfound strength and resilience. I would love to meet this Priyanka, Moni. If possible do let me know. You penned the story brilliantly and made me feel that I know her as sometimes or somewhere we faced something or other very similar to her. Thank you Monidipa for this piece from you.
Moni, your story about Priyanka is deeply touching. Despite facing immense challenges and betrayals, her journey of self-discovery and healing is inspiring. Thank you for sharing this powerful narrative of courage, resilience, and hope.
This is simultaneously a great redemption story and self love. I’m sure Priyanka wasn’t always the victim. Im sure her hardened attitude made newer victims. But i like that she was able to move forward in life and make something of herself. Its even more gratifying that she thawed. We’ve all been that person who shies away after one too many blows to our egos.
One needs strong mettle to survive betrayals and pain and it takes a lot of introspection and guts to overcome a bad past and surge ahead to seek a happier and more fulfilling life. I am glad Priyanka found hers and bloomed.
Priyanka’s journey was filled with betrayals from friends which indirectly made her strong and she dedicated herself to studies which later became her strength. Your way of depicting her journey of self discovery and giving herself a chance to feel was really incredible.
Very well written story – my take away from this was how a simple heartfelt apology can start mending a broken heart and pierce years of pain.