Mar 29, 2022
Turning the Other Cheek
When karma slaps you in the face
There are some incidents in your life that stay with you, no matter how many years have passed. We usually remember something that was extremely painful or exciting. Not so long ago, when I had been enrolled in a dental college, there was a mandatory foundation course before the first semester.
One day, we were all sitting in the auditorium, with around 30 students, divided into their circle of friends. A class mate of mine had recently broken up, was sitting quietly in the other row, and I couldn’t help myself to pass a comment. “Are you tired of Sarah?” I said loudly. People behind me started laughing, which fueled his anger, and he came marching towards me. Imagine a young man with a strong built coming to hit another man of the same age but definitely not the same size. Before I could even acknowledge that he was about to slap me, I got struck by his heavy hand. My glasses went flying in the air, and my ears started ringing. I was in a state of shock.
While I was sitting there, trying to process what had happened, a friend of mine came with my broken glasses. Then, a few other friends came and began asking me if I was okay. I mumbled a yes. It was quite a scenario, as half of the people didn’t witness the incident. After a few minutes, someone handed me a bunch of sheets to distribute them to everyone, as a test was about to begin. Although, I was crying on the inside, I had to go to everyone and hand them the sheets.
I could have complained about him to the administration, but I realised that my choice of words was not an ethical act, either. Yes, I have always been bullied, and never had the guts to retaliate or defend myself, but I feel that it is better to turn the other cheek instead of hurting someone.
Just like I received a slap from him, that guy got slapped by karma the next day. He told me that I probably cursed him, as his car had got stolen.
Well, a few weeks later, a celebrated my 18th birthday, and invited all my class mates except him. He called me and asked me why I didn’t invite him, without feeling guilty about how he reacted towards me. I didn’t know how to explain to him that it’s not easy inviting someone to your birthday, who hit you for a joke. Time heals all wounds, and I forgave him and moved on.
A few years after graduation, I saw him at a movie screening, but my instinctive reaction was hiding behind my father. His persona frightened me and I ignored him, wishing that he didn’t see me.
At 33, I am still not empowered enough to face people in the real world, but I have developed the courage to see things in an optimistic way.
