“College life is something that's magical and always will hold a special place in our hearts”. Arya, Nikki and John were three best friends who were living the college life to the hilt. Arya and Nikki's fathers were government employees, while Nikki's mom was an assistant professor at a prestigious university. John’s parents were never a subject of his conversation, he always avoided them. One thing he shared was that his mother owned a business and his father, a social worker, had passed away when he was two years old. 

During an inter-school competition, John stayed late in the college with his friends. Someone came and informed him that an old lady was waiting for him, John excused his friends and ran to the school office. An old lady, not by age but by appearance with short black hair with a cover in hands, was waiting for him. Her one eye was white in color and her smile revealed how tired she was and she is the mother of John. John looked at her with an embarrassed look and raised his voice “ Why can't you leave me alone at least here?” The mother replied softly, "John, you are staying here late but you haven't taken any food or money. I have brought you some food so that you can have it with your friends as well." Suddenly, John's friends rushed there, asking him who's this weird lady? It was without hesitation that he replied, "She is a servant of our family and just came to give him some food." His mother did not respond. She just looked at him with a slight smile. His hatred for his mother is due to her appearance, her half face and hands were burnt.

The years have passed, and John now works for a reputable company in Japan. Sadly, he is becoming more and more hateful towards his mother. He neglected to go and see his mother, Although he was aware of his mom's death. Now he is back in his own country for business reasons and decided to visit his old home. After seeing his house and surrounding areas, he did not feel any emotions towards it. After seeing all of his mother's old treasures, he went to pack. He found an old photo frame with a letter, and the letter was almost torn although he was able to read it. When he opened it, he realized it was from his mother.

“Dear son, I am sorry. I know my half burnt body will always be an embarassment for you but I think at least now you need to know the reason behind it. Your dad always lived for people's development and loved you so much at the same time. As he went to meet some locals, he took you with him. When he was in the house with you and the other two people, there had been a fire. They all died from the flames including your dad. But before he died, he had placed you in a safe place. I heard you crying inside the house. Unfortunately, everyone was helpless because they knew that if anyone tried to help by going inside they too would be burned. But as a mom I can't stay helpless. I ran to you with only one aim of at least saving your life. With God's grace and through your dad's love I was able to save you without any burns on your body, but unfortunately my half body was burned and had to be treated in a hospital for a year. This was not a sacrifice but my duty, so I haven't  spoken to you, as you should not feel bad since this was for you. Now i think if this all hadn't happened, I may have been a good mother to you and could have gotten a kiss on my cheek from you. I apologize for irritating you all my life, but me and your dad will always love you, forever!”

A broken heart left John speechless, and he is now convinced that love cannot be expressed through appearances...