Mirror Image

Mirror Image

“Roshni, don’t crack any of your stupid jokes in front of the guests. Stay with Sonia and help her arrange the snacks.”

These words echoed often in Roshni’s ears—her mother’s constant reminder of who was the star daughter of the house and who was just the shadow.

Two sisters, born in the same home, yet worlds apart.

Sonia was the elegant beauty—her grace, charm, and stunning looks opened doors for her, be it at school, college, or her career. She knew the power of her beauty and used it with ease.

Roshni, on the other hand, was the tomboy of the family. Her wheatish complexion, sharp mind, and fearless voice often clashed with the traditional mindset around her. She fought for her rights, never hesitating to question injustice. While Sonia was her mother’s pride for inheriting beauty, Roshni was her father’s secret admiration—he often noticed her grit and determination but never voiced it aloud in front of his wife.

Sonia pursued fashion design at NIFD, Delhi, and soon joined a leading fashion brand. Roshni studied personal management and found her calling at UNESCO, where she worked for women’s empowerment and self-sustainability in rural India.

One day, Aman and his family came to see Sonia. Aman, an IITian, had rejected lucrative offers abroad to build something meaningful in India. With his friends, he launched a medical assistance portal for remote villages, a project recognized and funded by the Government. In a short span, Aman became a known name in the startup world.

As the families sat together, Aman’s eyes first noticed Sonia’s beauty. She was poised but carried a subtle arrogance. Roshni, though sitting quietly at first, asked Aman questions that touched him—about his work, his challenges, his vision. Her grounded nature left a mark.

Later, when Sonia was asked about Aman, she dismissed him.

“He’s smart, but he has a mild stammer. I’ve always dreamt of marrying my Prince Charming… honestly, he doesn’t fit the bill.”

The proposal ended awkwardly, leaving both families disappointed.

Months passed. Life moved on.

One day, Roshni was invited as a panelist to a TEDx event for her work with rural women. To her surprise, Aman was the keynote speaker. His story of resilience, his vision for a healthier India, and his ability to inspire moved the audience—and Roshni too. After his talk, she walked up to him.

“Aman, you may not remember, but we’ve met before…” she said with a smile.

Aman laughed softly, “Oh, I remember. The only one in that room who asked me something real was you.”

That day began a new friendship. Over time, Aman and Roshni met often—sometimes over coffee, sometimes in villages where their work overlapped. Aman admired Roshni’s courage, the way she stood by people with less privilege, and her ability to light up even the dullest rooms with her sincerity. Roshni admired Aman’s vision, his humility despite his success, and how he turned his stammer into strength while addressing hundreds.

Aman’s friend circle soon noticed the bond. His college buddy, Raghav, once teased, “You two don’t need a startup pitch—you’re already a perfect merger!”

But it wasn’t all smooth. Roshni’s mother opposed the match fiercely.

“Sonia rejected him. How can the younger sister marry the same man? What will people say?”

It was her father who intervened. “People will always talk. But happiness is what we should give our children. And Aman sees what we failed to see in Roshni—her worth.”

In time, Aman and Roshni’s love blossomed. They became each other’s strength. When Aman faced hurdles in scaling his company, Roshni’s calm voice guided him through sleepless nights. When Roshni broke down after witnessing harsh realities in rural India, Aman’s steady hand reminded her of the impact she was making.

At their wedding, Sonia walked up to Roshni, hugged her, and whispered, “Maybe you weren’t the mirror image of me after all. You were the real light—Roshni.”