The Romantic Love Between Hands and Eyes

Many people say that love at first sight often starts from the simplest things. Perhaps from an accidental touch of skin when brushing past each other on the street, or from eyes locking for just a second. From there, two individuals can convince themselves that they have found their soulmate.

Slowly, they come to understand each other, fill the empty spaces in their hearts, commit, and eventually decide to grow old together as husband and wife. Adorable, isn't it? Just from a touch and a glance, two people can transform into a pair of birds wanting to fly together forever.

However

However, let's forget such trivial romance for a moment. There is a much deeper and more unusual love story. This is the life of my best friend, Riyan, and the extraordinary woman who became his soulmate, Viona.

Viona is no ordinary woman. She is a resilient person with a disability, having only one hand. In her past, a tragic accident claimed her left hand, and simultaneously, her father's life. The tragedy was apparently too heavy, causing Viona's mother to fall ill and suffer a stroke.

This situation forced her to drop out of junior high school to care for her beloved mother. However, Viona never let bad luck defeat her spirit. Amidst economic and physical limitations, she refused to despair. She racked her brain, maximizing her sharp eyesight and her remaining right hand to learn autodidactically until she successfully became a reliable digital illustrator.

That's When Riyan Came Into Her Life

That's when Riyan came into her life. Initially, Riyan was indeed smitten by Viona's beautiful face. However, as time went on, Riyan realized that Viona's true charm lay in her hard work ethic and intelligent mind. Riyan entered her life, providing a sense of security, protection, and relational support that made Viona's career as a digital illustrator shine even brighter.

Riyan loved her deeply and was willing to do anything for her. Their dream at that time was simple yet sweet: to get married, live happily, and call each other 'Ayah' and 'Bunda' (Father and Mother).

However, a great storm suddenly struck. Due to medical negligence, Riyan was forced to permanently lose his sight. He officially became visually impaired. Upon learning this, my emotions exploded uncontrollably. I confronted the doctor who treated Riyan, unleashing all my anger and disappointment over his negligence that had destroyed my best friend's future.

Afterward

Afterward, my legs felt weak. I collapsed, wailing and crying uncontrollably in the cold hospital corridor. Riyan's suddenly dark world truly crushed my feelings.

Those times were very dark. Riyan was mentally shattered and chose to close off his world completely. His phone, which used to be constantly buzzing with job offers or greetings from colleagues, slowly fell silent. Friends and business associates who were once sweet to him gradually distanced themselves, leaving him at his lowest point.

In that vortex of worthlessness, Riyan took the most painful step: he disappeared. He cut off all communication and deliberately ghosted Viona, feeling that he no longer deserved to be with such an amazing woman.

At Almost the Same Time

At almost the same time, a devastating blow struck Viona again. Her mother, whom she had cared for all this time, took her last breath. Alone, losing her pillar of support, and abandoned by the man she loved, Viona was devastated.

Unable to bear leaving her alone in her compounded grief, I moved her in. Since then, Viona has been living with me at home, slowly piecing together her scattered heart.

Time passed silently. In a different place, Riyan was also battling his own ego. He began to learn to accept his new chapter, gathering the remnants of his spirit to rise as an independent visually impaired person.

Some Time Later

Some time later, when he felt his footing was stable, Riyan finally gathered the courage he had lost. He contacted Viona again. Through an awkward but regret-filled message, Riyan apologized for his disappearance.

He realized one thing: his world might be dark, but he truly couldn't walk without Viona by his side.

Viona, with a generosity of spirit that always amazed me, welcomed him back. She proved that her love didn't require physical perfection.

Now

Now, Riyan is slowly taking back control of his life. In the darkness, his sense of touch has become his new eyes. His fingertips nimbly feel and dance across guitar strings, creating melodies that have become his livelihood.

Not only that, with perseverance and the help of a screen reader application that speaks quickly in his ear, Riyan strings word after word on the keyboard. He proved himself capable of rising as a clever freelance writer who attracts international clients.

Some time ago, as we were relaxing at my house, a warm sense of envy spread through my chest watching their interaction. They are not yet officially husband and wife, but all their efforts and hard work currently lead to one goal: to prepare themselves as best as possible to walk down the aisle.

In the Kitchen

In the kitchen, Viona cheerfully and lovingly cooks their favorite food using one hand, while Riyan, who cannot see, sits beside her with an unfading smile.

In the past, I always wondered and protested to myself how they could fight such heavy life storms. But now I know the answer. They didn't fight the storm; instead, they both became the storm itself.