Slowly she regained her vitality.  And it was time for the patches on her skin to be changed.

The doctor came in, and he very carefully removed the patches.

Juhi’s face was altered.  Her beauty was replaced by a face that was bruised and scarred for life.  Her face revealed much damage, and it lost the charm it seemed to have before the accident.

Ravi, who was standing at the time, had to take a seat. 

He was speechless.  He was in shock.  He was numb, and out of energy.

It was not easy for anyone--not for Ravi, not for the Doctor, nor for Juhi.

The doctor stepped out a few minutes to leave them alone.

As she looked in the mirror, she noticed how different she looked.

Ravi hugged her bosom, held her, and cried.

 “Why has God done this to you?!  To you of all people?!  Aren’t you the one who is always praying to Him?!” he cried. 

“Ravi, I am worried about you,“ she replied, “If you are happy, I am happy.  Can you accept me as I am?”

“I love you more than anything in this world!  Of course I accept you!  This doesn’t change how I feel about you!” he said.

“If you are happy with the way I am, then I am happy.  Just be happy.  Don’t be sad.  That’s all I really need.  That’s all I really want.” she said. 

There was an emotional pause.

Ravi was in awe.

Tears started to flow down Ravi’s cheeks.  They were not tears of sorrow, nor tears of joy.  Ravi was touched.  He was moved beyond words.  Who was this person he had married?  Was she a woman, or was she a Goddess?  Was he deserving of her?  Such thoughts raced passed Ravi’s mind.

“You are a great soul, Juhi!” he cried, “You are truly a great soul!”

He embraced her.

 The children and ladies at the school were equally distressed about Juhi.  They all felt very sad about her fate.  The same loving exchange occurred at the school.  Juhi’s request for her family at school was to not be sad--that her happiness was in their happiness.  She wanted to see everyone smile and laugh.  That’s all she needed.  That’s all she wanted.  That was her request.  They were all deeply touched by Juhi’s request.  They all wanted to embrace Juhi, and they all did.