The storm has passed. The sea seemed calm now. The ship was rocketing up and down in the waves. It felt like the sea was putting the whole ship to sleep after a treacherous nightmare. The ship was half broken and half good. It was hard to decide on whether to be happy or worry about the condition of the ship. Out of the twelve people who started the journey, only six remained; half the number. 

She came aboard, slowly creeping out of her haven. She saw the destruction the storm caused. It was a nightmare indeed. Last night she wished, hoped and prayed to all the gods she knew from childhood that what she was seeing and experiencing be a bad dream from which she would soon wake up. The ship was her last hope for a new life and a better future. An escape from all the hardships and rejections she faced throughout her life. But here she was on the deck of the same ship which lies in ruins just like her dreams. 

She looked at the sea. It was calm now. It was hard to believe that there was a storm in this sea yesterday. Everything seemed peaceful; the waves, the wind and everything. She closed her eyes and felt the light breeze on her face. Took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Everything was new. But it looked strangely familiar to her. 

She stared at the endless blue waters. She breathed slowly and deeply inhaling the calmness and exhaling her fears and worries. Each breath was reassuring and regenerating. With every breath, hope started to fill her mind and soul. 

It was intimidating how hope comes from nothingness. She was relieved but was doubtful that this newfound hope will vanish into nothingness. But she kept the thought away and gazed into the long stretch of water in front of her.  A realisation swept over her. If the sea is this vast, what about the universe? Compared to the size of the universe, I am just a speck of dust. I am nothing. 

I am nothing, she told herself. But that was not a self-diminishing thought. She already felt a wave of hope from nothing. She knew she was nothing, a nothing capable of emanating hope. As long as she is alive, even when everything falls apart, one thing was sure- she will stand up again with more hope. 

We all are nothing. Once we acknowledge the fact, a new horizon opens before us brimming with hope and endless opportunities. 

Ganga Ambily Gopi