From Me To You: A Tale Untold

Ibrahim

8th April, '19.

Dear Diary,

I had to share this with you. Was waiting for my parents to retire for the night, so that I can finally talk with you.

Using Google Translate, I helped a Spanish user a couple of weeks ago on Wattpad and they replied today with a "Gracias' and don't know why my eyes misted of their own accord. I had totally forgotten about them. Surprised, I had to scroll to the comment to find the reason for their 'Thank you'. It was just a moment of happiness, but it reminded me again and reinforced the only reason I was here—for the love of the community. You know the community, the people of Wattpad are unlike anyone I've ever come across. The positivity this site generates is so infectious. I love being here.

Their sweet gesture reiterated and strengthened my resolve to help whenever and wherever possible. Would love to see Wattpad ruling the hearts of the Indians. You know something--I was exposed only to our Indian culture, but after joining Wattpad, I learned to extend my boundaries, broaden my vision.  The friendships I made, taught me to see beyond the horizons and borders. For the first time, I grasped the meaning of being on the world stage. To my surprise, Wattpad taught me to open my heart and soul to the people-- strangers I had never met. There was a username where afforded anonymity from stalkers and the conservative Indian society. Something I had never done before. And it was so much fun, you know.

I know you are asking me again, I can feel you. The same old question that Ammi and Abbu always ask me, "What was so special about Wattpad, Ibu?  Why don't you just give up? It's a waste of time and energy. You do not earn money on Wattpad, my son!" And my answer will remain the same. Always. "It's because I love the community and want to do more for them. Found myself with them. I got a chance to meet some of the most amazing people in the Wattpad community."
For the first time, I was loved just for being myself. Not as a Muslim boy, but because I was me. And it was something I'd never experienced in our community, our Indian culture. For the first time I made friendships spanning countries and continents. I opened up about parts of my life I told no one in real life, for fear of being judged and misunderstood. I loved and was beloved.

Still remember the day I got my first dedication. I was over the moon! Couldn't sleep that night!! It was something new for me. As a nobody, it was an exhilarating feeling. You were with me all the time, remember? From the time I wrote my first story 2 years ago, to today where my profile "@TheAmazingSpiderMan" has five stories, a couple of poems and what not. Looking back, I see myself and just marvel at the transformation within. Have a strange sense of confidence. 

Life on Wattpad teaches you everything, n'est-ce pas? Picked up a couple of Spanish, Portuguese along the way too. Met someone I could have fallen in love with if it wasn't for Rabu. Maybe someday, I'll tell you everything about him. And how we met...

All I know is, you'll love him too!