Rendezuous with life

I was going to interview an AIDS patient today.As she entered the room I was stunned.I was about to interview a 14year old girl.She smiled as I forwarded my hand.

"You are aware that I'm HIV positive right?"

"Yes I am,but why this question?"

"Well no one wish to shake hands with a HIV patient."she chuckled and shook hands with me.

"I thought I'm going to meet a grown up lady who is matured enough to run a campaign at such a high level.You amazed me."

"Really?"she laughed and I was impressed by her laughter..Carefree...Confident..Pure.

"I'm still not able to believe I'm sitting with a person infected with a fatal virus.Are'nt you scared?"

"Honestly speaking I'm not scared.It was a blood transfusion that got that virus in my body.But I was not scared of the virus instead it's this society that frightened me.

I'm HIV positive not suffering from AIDS.I'm not a source of infection even if I cough or touch anybody.But the people around me,the stereotypes eating up our society made things difficult for me.

No school was ready to admit me,I had to go for home schooling, I had no friends.Trust me it was never this virus that troubled me rather it was this society that hurt me.

I'm a normal girl like others, I too love dresses,nail paints...See my nail art."she flaunted her beautiful nails.

"But I was discriminated and badly treated.Infact this virus taught me to be stubborn and not to lose hope.That's why I began with this battle.I'm not fighting with HIV, my war is with these pigeonholed society.The virus is too small to defeat my spirits.I don't know how many days I have in my life but I want to fight each day to change the preconceptions of people towards HIV patients.We don't get infected by sexual contact only,not everyone is suffering from AIDS and most importantly we are not going to spread it by our touch.

I know war is tough one but I'm not going to give up.I'm a warrior and will die like martyr not like a patient."

Tears welled up in my eyes looking at the spirit of this young girl."Can I hug you?"I asked

"Ohh!Sure..I would love to.This is something which no one asks for."And I cuddled her in my arms.

"You changed me today."I said holding her hands.

"And your hug made my day.If I can change even one person I consider myself victorious."she winked at me.

Dr.Shweta Prakash Kukreja

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