She was living a quiet, repetitive life of going to work, returning home, and keeping her thoughts locked within herself. Speaking up has never come easily, and over time.
Everything begins to shift when she is unexpectedly asked to sing at her workplace. What starts as a small moment of hesitation turns into something far greater. As she sings, she discovers a deep, unexplainable connection to music, one that feels both new and strangely familiar. It is as if something long hidden within her has finally come alive.
Encouraged by this newfound spark, she begins to explore music more seriously and is introduced to a music troupe, where she starts to grow in confidence and expression. For the first time, she feels seen—not for who others expect her to be, but for who she truly is.
But just as her world begins to open, it collapses. A sudden medical condition takes away her melodious voice, silencing the very gift that gave her identity and hope. The loss is devastating. Once again, she retreats into herself, convinced that the one thing that made her special is gone forever.
Yet, in the depths of that silence, music finds her again - this time through the violin. Though different, the connection remains just as powerful. Slowly, she begins to rebuild, learning that her voice was never limited to singing alone.
And in that final performance, she didn’t just play the violin- she reclaimed the voice she thought she had lost forever.
The Girl Who Found Her Voice is a moving story of loss, rediscovery, and resilience - where true expression is not about how one is heard, but the courage to keep creating, even after everything seems lost.
PROLOGUE : THE AWARD-WINNING EVENT
The auditorium buzzed with anticipation as employees filled the seats. They eagerly awaited the annual Excellence Awards Ceremony at Jessica's workplace. Colorful banners adorned the walls. Glittering confetti hung from the ceiling. It caught the light, reflecting it like stars in a night sky. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, and the scent of fresh pastries wafted through the air, adding to the celebratory mood.
Jessica had just joined the IT field, but she quickly proved herself to be a talented engineer. Analyzing code and fixing bugs had always been her comfort zone, far from the scrutiny of an audience. She preferred working behind the scenes.
She sat nervously at the back. Her heart raced as the host, a jovial colleague known for his humor, approached the microphone.
“And now, for our most coveted award of the evening, the Best Employee Award!”
When Jessica’s name was called, she could barely believe her ears. “What? Me?” she thought, her eyes widening as she rose from her seat. The applause was deafening, a mix of genuine support and playful cheers. As she walked to the stage, applause rang in her ears. But, the whispers from the back made her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“Who would have thought? Jessica, our resident IT genius, can also win awards!” one co-worker joked.
Jessica forced a smile, feeling both honored and awkward in the spotlight.
As she accepted her trophy, the host, a charismatic colleague, said, “You’ve earned this, Jessica! And to make the moment even more special, we’d love for you to perform a musical piece for us as a part of your award!”
Her heart raced even faster at the thought of performing. “Oh no, I’m more of a headphone music lover, not a performer!” she thought, glancing at her co-workers, who awaited her response with eager expressions.
Taking a breath, she laughed with the audience and said, “Thank you so much for this honor! I appreciate the award but, singing is definitely not in my area of ‘code’ expertise.” The crowd roared with laughter.
“It seems she's more of a "code-a-holic" than a "muso-holic." one co-worker joked.
Feeling the spotlight and wanting to avoid more embarrassment, Jessica grinned sheepishly and addressed everyone. “Thank you once again! But let’s be real—my talents lie in fixing computers, not in singing! I promise, my vocal performance will annoy you all! I am not a performer! I can troubleshoot systems and build apps, but my singing could crash a whole server!”
The crowd erupted into laughter, the atmosphere lightening.
“Exactly! I promise you all, my apps will be spectacular! But, music? Let's leave that to the professionals!” she chuckled, her tension easing.
With that, she stepped away from the podium, relieved to have deflected the attention. A wave of good-natured laughter followed her as she returned to her seat, the weight of the award heavy and warm in her hands.
- THE RESTLESS ROUTINE
The sun rose on another day. But for Jessica, it was the endless tide of spreadsheets and coding assignments. They crashed over her, a battle against the suffocating grip of monotony that had shadowed her existence. The fluorescent lights flickered overhead, as if it had borrowed the sun's brilliance to highlight the motivational quotes etched into the walls. It urged anyone who entered the office to aim for the impossible.
Soon after her arrival, an avalanche of tasks and deadlines cascaded towards her, like a pride of hungry lions descending upon their prey. Her aspirations felt like a tightening noose. It left no time for her to find her hidden passions. The world outside existed only as a blurry backdrop to the sharp focus demanded by her relentless workday.
After a few moments of silence, the door's screech faded, calming the room. A voice erupted like a thunderclap: “What about deadlines, Jessica?” It was her manager, Arjith.
“It will be complete soon, don’t worry,” she replied. Even though she struggled to complete the lengthy code, she liked coding. She always gave her best effort to achieve her tasks, and sometimes her colleagues commented on her brilliance.
“Hey Jessica, why are you struggling with coding? They need to be afraid of you!” one colleague joked.
“Oh, they’re staring at me, so I’ll just stare back at my screen. Otherwise, neither the code is afraid of me, nor am I afraid of it. How does that sound?” she replied with a wry smile.
Everyone soon returned to their work, the room falling quiet except for the familiar clatter of keyboards. This time, the pinging of emails from every system disrupted the silence. Colleagues checked their messages, some displayed expressions of joy while others displayed frustration. Jessica stared at her inbox as if she was staring down the barrel of a loaded gun. The weight of the looming event filled her with dread. She never wanted such chaos in her office.
Her best friend and colleague, Priya, came beside her and said, “Hey Jessi, it’s talent night tomorrow. Even if you’re bad at it ,this time they’re asking everyone to perform something! what about you?”
“But me? I’m not good at anything except coding,” Jessica said, feeling the panic begin to rise.
“Oh Jessi, if you’re stuck in coding all day, what would you do instead?” Priya interrupted cheerfully.
“Me? I might be disturbing you,” Jessica admitted, her voice carrying a hint of laughter.
“Oh wow, but I won’t always allow that,” Priya teased, her laughter lightening the mood.
“You might have a talent; let it come out! Consider what it could be and prepare yourself. We all are here to cheer you on.”
But Jessica didn’t want to perform, as she hadn’t learned music, dance, mimicry, or any other relevant skills to showcase on stage. She considered escaping but found everyone else buzzing with excitement. Arjith also said that participation is mandatory. They would add it to their performance skill chart. So, no one could escape. His announcement felt like reading Jessica's mind, striking a nerve of dread deep within her.
Her colleagues began discussing their performances, even in the pantry. There, someone was showing off an impromptu singing session. The air was thick with the smell of stale coffee and discussions. The laughter and singing felt too loud and too overwhelming. Jessica buried herself back in her work.
After a while, she felt consumed by confusion about what to do tomorrow. Noticing her friend’s worry, Priya asked in a soft tone, “Have you ever tried dancing or music?”
“No, I didn’t. I love listening to music, but I’ve never tried performing it,” Jessica replied a twinge of regret in her voice.
“Then this time, you should give it a shot. No other way, dear. It could improve your performance chart,” Priya suggested with encouragement.
Jessica was in a dilemma. “Do I need to do this, or let my score drop? If I don’t try, my score will decrease without reason,” she pondered. “Even though it’s out of my comfort zone, I should give it a go.”
“Can we stop after singing one or two lines?” she asked Priya, her anxiety creeping back.
“You can stop anytime, but it would be better if you completed four lines as a starting part of a song. Otherwise, no one will understand what it’s about,” Priya advised.
Jessica thought about how she had planned to enjoy her weekend with family, but now that felt impossible. “Escaping now would be like jumping off a cliff,” she reflected.
Jessica bit her lip, hesitating, but finally asked Priya again, even though Priya appeared to be busy with her work.
Jessica anticipated that Priya would brush her off because Priya focused on her work this time.
“What, Jessi?” Priya replied in a soft voice, pulling her focus away from the screen.
“Do you think I’ll be able to sing?” Jessica asked, uncertainty lacing her words.
“I can’t guarantee anything, but yes, try singing your favorite song. There’s a chance it could work,” Priya encouraged, her eyes sparkling with optimism.
Jessica clung to those words, repeating them in her mind like a mantra, hoping they would provide the courage she lacked. During the lunch break, even while eating her meal, Jessica listened to her colleagues' excited chatter.
Priya noticed the gloom clouding her friend’s face and leaned closer. “Chill out, Jessi! try a few songs at home. It might help.”
“Are you ready for your performance?” Jessica asked Priya, seeking a distraction.
“Of course! As usual, I’m prepared and ready with the song,” Priya beamed, her confidence radiating. Jessica remembered last year’s performance. Priya had captivated the audience with her voice. The applause had been thunderous and unending.
They spent some time together watching snippets of others' performances. Their laughter created a relief for her worries.
After lunch, they returned to their desks. Jessica knew she needed to complete her work early to find a song for herself. When she got home, she searched for a few songs to listen to, allowing the melodies to wash over her.
She hummed along, trying to sing the first four or five lines. To her surprise, she felt somewhat okay with it, but a reluctance to push further arose within her. Again, she wrestled with the thought: should she skip tomorrow's performance? But her mind reminded her, “But I can’t skip, it’s my performance chart.”
Resolute, she decided to face it, embracing the challenge that lay ahead.
2. THE FIRST SPARK
The next day, Jessica didn't want to leave her bed. She clung to the soft sheets, hoping they would shield her from reality. She rose, moving with the sluggishness of a snail, dragging her feet through the morning routine. Every action felt like an attempt to escape the day ahead, but deep down, she knew that there was no way to avoid it.
After getting ready, Jessica considered walking to the office but realized that if she did, she would arrive late. Instead, she thought about calling for an auto-rickshaw. However, while lost in her thoughts, several autos whizzed past without her noticing.
Just as doubt began to settle in, one auto driver pulled up and asked, “Madam, lift?” Jessica snapped back to reality. “Yes, I need a ride, thank you!” she replied, relieved to finally be on her way.
As she stepped into the bustling office, she noticed that her colleagues had arrived early, their excitement palpable in the air. She saw the stage—a vibrant focal point in the event hall. Every corner of the room was adorned with elegantly draped fabric in corporate colors that flowed down from the ceiling like waterfalls. A backdrop featuring the company logo intertwined with abstract designs added a touch of sophistication. Soft, ambient lighting bathed the area in a warm glow, casting a welcoming aura over the entire space.
At the center, stood a sleek row of microphones, a silent invitation for the talents to shine. As Jessica scanned the room, however, the excitement felt more like a noose tightening around her neck than a comforting embrace. She sought out Priya, who was busy warming up for her performance, her energy was exuberant.
When Priya spotted her, she rushed over with a bright smile. “Is everything set? You’re ready to rock!”
Jessica felt a flicker of anger rising within her. “Priya, are you kidding? Do you think I’ll rock the stage?” she replied, trying to hide her unease.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Priya teased, attempting to step away. “You just want an excuse to hear me butcher a song, don’t you?”
“Exactly! And maybe I’ll discover if you have a hidden talent,” Priya countered playfully.
“But I don’t think so. This is my first time singing! And my first time on stage. Of course, I love music, but I’ve never tried it myself. Yesterday was my first attempt to sing along with a song,” Jessica admitted, anxiety creeping into her voice.
“Relax, Jessi! You’ve got this!” Priya urged, trying to calm her friend.
Despite Priya's encouragement, a wave of fear washed over Jessica, making her heart race. "Why don’t I have confidence? I’ve never performed on stage before," she thought, grappling with her self-doubt.
As employees filled the hall for the talent night, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. Jessica sat nervously, watching her colleagues shine under the spotlight. The first-time nerves felt like stepping into a lion’s cage, the boundaries closing in with no apparent escape.
"Why did I agree to this?" she thought, her stomach churning. "This isn’t like me. I’ll look so awkward." She watched as a colleague sang confidently, his voice resonating throughout the room. The audience clapped and cheered, and the thought of herself on that stage filled her with dread. "I'm nothing like them. What if they laugh at me?"
“Jessica, just give it your best,” Priya encouraged once more.
With Priya’s words ringing in her ears, she felt a flicker of determination. After Priya’s stellar performance, the applause roared through the room. When the host announced, “Next up, Jessica!” her heart sank.
“Yes, come on, Jessica! You can do it!” Priya urged, pulling her toward the stage.
As Jessica stepped onto the stage for the first time, a wave of nervousness enveloped her. It felt like being thrust into an arena without any armor. The bright stage lights shone fiercely down on her, amplifying her vulnerability and casting her long shadow across the wooden floor.
Her heart raced like a relentless drum, each beat echoing in her ears as she felt a tingling sensation in her fingertips and a bead of sweat trickle down her back. The microphone loomed before her, a shining beacon of her fear.
Someone shouted, “You will be great!” Their words offered a small push of encouragement, but Jessica’s throat felt dry as if she had swallowed a desert. The audience stared at her expectantly, their eyes fixed on her with a mix of anticipation and hope. Her mind raced with thoughts, each one clamoring for attention, leaving her momentarily breathless. She took a shaky breath, trying to steady the quiver in her voice. As she began to hum, her voice trembled—the nerves swirling within her, reminding her of the performance chart that lay ahead.
She thought back to the music she had listened to yesterday, trying to find a thread of confidence in those familiar melodies. Tentatively, she started to hum softly, barely audible at first. The audience leaned in. After a few moments of humming, she took another deep breath, summoning the courage to begin.
To her astonishment, the words flowed more naturally than she had ever expected. With each note, she sang the first few lines of the song, the initial tremor in her voice smoothing out as her notes found their rhythm and flow.
As Jessica continued, she surprised herself with how easily the lyrics came to her. The song didn’t stop after just four lines; it went on as if she had sung it many times before. Everyone in the audience was stunned by her performance. It had the emotion, feel, and energy the song needed. The audience applauded and cheered throughout her rendition. Each clap fueled her confidence, blossoming within her as she fully embraced the moment.
As her performance came to a close, the room erupted into loud applause, and Jessica felt a mix of pride and disbelief wash over her. “Did I do it? Did they enjoy it?” she thought, her heart soaring.
Priya rushed over and wrapped her arms around her in a tight hug. “Congrats! I told you that you could do it!” she exclaimed. Still reeling from the experience, Jessica struggled to find the words to express her whirlwind of emotions.
Her heart raced not from nerves but from the sheer thrill of what she had just accomplished. She had stood in front of her colleagues, bared her soul, and sung with a passion she never knew she possessed. It was a moment she had dreamt of but never truly believed could be hers, until now.
That day, upon reaching home, her parents were taken aback by the radiance in her face. Jessica was filled with joy that she rushed through the door, her enthusiasm palpable in the air. Noticing the change in their daughter, her parents asked, “What’s the matter?”
With bubbling excitement, she replied, “It was talent night at the office, and I performed a song on stage! I didn’t even know what to expect, but I did it!”
Her parents exchanged surprised glances, astonishment etched on their faces. “You performed? We had no idea you could sing!” they exclaimed. They had never realized she had such a talent.
That entire night, she basked in her happiness, reflecting on the events that had unfolded. The next morning, she woke up early, filled with a sense of purpose. She savored a cup of coffee. The warmth of the mug comforted her, ready to tackle the next task assigned by her manager Arjith, her heart still racing from the exhilarating night before.
3. THE BOND OF MUSIC
When Jessica reached the office, her colleagues greeted her with warm congratulations and genuine admiration. “You had hidden your talent! You’ve shocked us all!” one exclaimed. Priya chimed in, “It was superb! Now everyone will be lining up to hear you. Who knew you were a musical coder?”.
"How did you learn to play, Jessica? Did you have any prior music training?"
Confused, Jessica replied, “I didn’t know how to sing, but I love music and listen to it all the time. I feel the music, but I never tried to perform.”
“Does anyone in your family know music?” Priya inquired curiously.
“My parents don’t know anything about music, but my grandmother did. I heard from my father that she was a violinist.
Jessica didn’t know it yet—but this was only the beginning of a journey that would change her life.
