It was 9.30 p.m. The air in Lonavala had turned chilly. Payal had wrapped her sales work much earlier but left late to avoid Mumbai’s relentless traffic.

As the car pulled away, Payal drifted off to sleep. A few kilometres down the road, a speeding vehicle from the opposite direction hit Payal’s car and shattered the windshield glass across the road. The driver died on the spot. A shard of glass struck Payal’s forehead, and blood oozed down her face. The passenger door hung ajar, and she tumbled to the ground. The street lights were dim. An overtaking bike ran over her leg, adding to her agony.

The acrid smell of burning rubber stung Payal’s nose. Struggling to breathe, she gasped for air before slipping into unconsciousness. A passerby, with the aid of police and ambulance, rushed Payal to a nearby hospital. The last number dialed on her phone was her friend Sunita’s. Hospital authorities contacted Sunita, who arrived in no time, along with Payal's husband.

The ground slipped from under their feet when they learned doctors had to amputate Payal’s leg. Sunita couldn’t hold back her tears. When Payal gained consciousness, Sunita gathered courage and spoke to her.

“Pa..pa..Payal, your legs have been amputated.” Sunita's voice choked, and her lips quivered.

“Sunita, calm down. Throughout my life, I chased money, keeping aside my passion and dream. I may have lost my legs, but my mind is as strong as ever. Today, even amid this loss, I see an opportunity.” Payal said, her head held high.

“An opportunity after such a setback? Have you lost your mind?” Sunita asked, wiping her tears.

“No, I haven’t. But I have lost much more — lost myself in the endless race to earn, to shoulder the responsibilities of my in-laws, my daughter, and my husband. No one ever asked what I wanted — not even my parents. I worked tirelessly, living for everyone but myself.” Payal replied.

“What do you mean, Payal?” Sunita asked with a puzzled expression.

“Do you remember how much I loved playing chess?” Payal questioned.

“Yes, I do. But that’s an old story.” Sunita replied, confused.

“It might be an old story, but my love for it hasn’t faded. I dreamed of advancing in the field, but my parents dismissed it as a waste of time, forcing me to take up a job. My husband, too, never supported me, which resulted in my passion taking a back seat.” Payal responded firmly.

“Even now, instead of words of encouragement, my husband says, how are we going to run the house without your income?” Payal added, frustration evident in her voice.

Tears stained Sunita’s face. She took Payal’s hand, gently pressed it, and said, “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

“Yes, I’m sure. The universe has given me a chance to pursue my dream. Once I’m back home, I will start practising chess and prove that setbacks come with opportunities. I am going to live for myself,” Payal said with a hopeful smile.