Since 2018, Mehndi had found solace and joy in the warm embrace of the Ashish Centre. She first stepped through its doors at the age of 9, and quickly became a part of a vibrant community it offered. With each passing day, she forged bonds with fellow attendees, relishing in the friendship that centre offered.
The regular physiotherapy sessions became more than just exercises for Mehndi; they were her lifeline to independence. With determination in her heart, she navigated the halls with newfound confidence, her strides filled with a sense of purpose.
But the COVID-19 Pandemic unleashed a wave of hardship upon Mehndi’s family. Her father, Nazim Khan, a humble bangle vendor, saw his livelihood crumble before his eyes. Her mother, Sharmila, once employed at an investment agency, faced the same fate. The burden trickled down to Mehndi’s older sisters, Kesar and Reshma, who struggled to adapt to online learning with just one device to share between them.
Trapped within the confines of their home, Mehndi’s world grew dim. Deprived of the regular physiotherapy sessions she so relied upon, her once sturdy limbs weakened, rendering her immobile. It was a cruel twist of fate that left her spirit shattered.
However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. When Sharmila secured a new job, her first act was to purchase a mobile phone on loan, reigniting Mehndi’s access to online classes. But the damage had been done; the teachers noted with sorrow that Mehndi had lost the ability to walk.
Yet, where there is a will, there is a way. With the gradual reopening of in-person classes, Mehndi seized the opportunity to reclaim her strength. Daily physiotherapy sessions became her sanctuary once more, breathing life back into her weakened muscles.
With unwavering determination and the unwavering support of her family and caregivers, Mehndi embarked on a journey of resilience. Slowly but surely, she defied the odds, rising from the ashes of despair to walk once more, a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.
