I remember when I was very young I used to dream that one day I would meet my prince charming. That one day he would take me away, love me, spoil me and grant every wish I had, and that we would live happily ever after.

I grew up on fairy tales and M&B novels!

It is everyone’s desire to have a life partner, a companion to share his/her life, dreams, joy and sorrow with. And I was no different in nurturing this desire. Every time I attended any wedding I used to wonder when it would be my turn; when would I become a bride. Most importantly: where the hell is he, my prince charming?

Time passed by and still there was no prince charming in sight! I resigned myself to the bitter fact that I am doomed to spend the rest of my life alone, without love. Being physically disabled I didn’t want to be a burden on anyone, especially as a financial burden. I threw myself in my career, secretly holding on to the assumption that there is someone out there for everyone. Besides, Allah in the Holy Quran says: “Among His proofs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, in order to have tranquility and contentment with each other, and He placed in your hearts love and care towards your spouses. In this, there are sufficient proofs for people who think.” [30:21]

There is someone out there for me also. My prince charming will come. When? Then I met this falcon-eyed man with the most beautiful voice I had ever heard. With just one meeting I had slipped, stumbled and fallen head over heels in love with him! He was everything in a man that I wanted and much, much more.

Here was this stranger, who for the first time in my life took me for myself. He did not treat or consider me as a disabled person who is to be pitied. He saw me for who I was and not what I was. He was really without any reservations and without any fears with me as regards to my disability.

We both clicked instantly. I really liked him and would wait eagerly for his call or a signal that I should call him. I was addicted to his voice. I would get cranky if I didn't talk to him before going to work, at work and after getting off from work. He was like an artificial oxygen cylinder that needed be changed at regular intervals for survival.

We couldn’t meet as I was based in the capital and he in Karachi. Long distance romance can be frustrating. I thought about him all the time. I didn't want to lose his friendship. I wanted to share his friendship, thoughts, goof offs, and life. I wanted to be everything to him. We expressed our growing feelings for each other and talked about the need to act responsibly since we both had our families