Monera Suhana

Abstract Inspirational Others

3  

Monera Suhana

Abstract Inspirational Others

Defying Destiny

Defying Destiny

16 mins
28


Hi, I'm Aanya. Like many others, I've always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Ever since I was a child, despite not even knowing how to spell "doctor," I knew it was what I wanted to be. When my teacher asked us what we wanted to be in the future, I confidently replied, "I want to be a doctor." My teacher's response still echoes in my mind: "Why do people have imaginations that are so far away from them?"


From that moment, I poured all my energy into my studies, despite struggling with spelling and other academic challenges. My parents, aware of my academic shortcomings, never placed high expectations on me. My father, coming from a traditional mindset, often hinted about marriage being a suitable path for me. My mother, although educated and capable, always deferred to my father's decisions.

In our middle-class household, gender inequality silently dictated our roles and aspirations. My younger brother, courageous and bold, was the pride of our family. My sister, always at the top of her class, effortlessly surpassed even my parents' highest expectations. Compared to them, I felt like I was nothing but a disappointment.

All I had waited for was my 10th board exams to prove myself, but the COVID-19 pandemic dashed those hopes. The government’s decision to pass everyone without exams left me feeling robbed of the chance to demonstrate my abilities. I knew I wanted to pursue PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), but my parents, adhering to their traditional beliefs, initially opposed the idea.

Despite their resistance, I gathered my courage and approached my father. As expected, he refused at first. However, I refused to give up. I explained passionately that one cannot excel in a field without genuine interest and dedication. Eventually, my persistence paid off, and my father reluctantly accepted my decision.

With my father’s approval, I eagerly joined a college hostel, full of hope and excitement. Unlike many others, I didn’t fear leaving home or missing my family—I had never felt deeply connected to them. Instead, I embraced the opportunity to live independently, relishing the freedom and chance to enjoy myself.

Despite my father’s initial support, I soon realized he had enrolled me in a class meant for state board exams, not NEET preparation. The betrayal stung deeply. It was yet another instance where his lack of trust in my aspirations became painfully clear. I knew my father’s intentions were traditional; he wanted me to pass the exams, get married, and settle down. This made me more determined to prove myself.

Feeling abandoned and frustrated, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I started preparing on my own, immersing myself in NCERT textbooks, and staying up late to study. The hostel's environment, filled with students chasing their dreams, fueled my resolve. I found solace in the quiet nights, where I could focus and strategize my study plan without distractions.

When the state board results were announced, I was thrilled to see a 93.1% on my report card. My heart raced as I called my father to share the news. His immediate question, "Have you passed?" made my heart sink. When I told him my score, the silence on the other end was palpable. He was choked with surprise, perhaps for the first time realizing the extent of my determination. I cut the call, feeling a mix of vindication and loneliness. There was no time to dwell on emotions—I had only one month left to prepare for NEET.

The pressure was immense. With no phone to access online resources, I felt isolated. I had watched some educational videos on YouTube while at home, but without consistent access, I was lost. The teachers at my school, though well-meaning, lacked the specialized experience to guide me through the NEET syllabus. Panic began to set in, and I felt the weight of my dreams slipping through my fingers.

In my desperation, I turned to prayer. Though I had always harbored resentment towards God, feeling abandoned in my struggles, I found myself seeking solace in the divine. My prayers were raw and honest, filled with the fear and hope of someone grasping for a lifeline. It was a plea for strength, guidance, and a chance to prove myself.

Each day, I juggled state board revisions with NEET preparation. I created makeshift study guides, using every bit of information I had gathered. The library became my sanctuary, where I devoured every NEET preparation book I could find. I formed study groups with other determined students, sharing knowledge and motivating each other.

Despite the odds, my resolve grew stronger. I pushed myself beyond limits I didn't know existed. Every moment of self-doubt was met with a surge of determination. I wasn't just fighting for a medical seat; I was fighting for my dreams, my identity, and the belief that I was capable of achieving greatness despite the obstacles.

Despite my tireless efforts and the countless hours spent preparing, the NEET exam day finally arrived. I did my best, but deep down, I knew my performance wasn't enough to secure a medical seat. As the days passed and the results drew closer, a growing sense of dread settled over me.

When the results were finally announced, my fears were confirmed. My marks were too low to gain admission to a medical college. The weight of disappointment was overwhelming, crushing my spirit. I had poured everything into this dream, sacrificing so much, only to fall short. It felt like all my hard work and determination had been in vain.

I avoided my friends and family, not wanting to face their reactions. My father, as expected, didn't say much. His silence spoke volumes, echoing my own feelings of failure and inadequacy. My mother tried to comfort me, but her efforts only reminded me of how I had let everyone down.

In the solitude of my hostel room, I let the tears fall freely. The future that had once seemed so clear and bright was now shrouded in uncertainty and doubt. I questioned everything—my abilities, my dreams, and whether I had made the right choices. The fear of facing a life I didn't want, one dictated by my father's traditional expectations, loomed large.

Despite the heartbreak, a small part of me refused to give up. I remembered the determination that had driven me to pursue PCB despite the odds, the resilience that had kept me going through countless setbacks. I knew I couldn't let this failure define me. There had to be another way, another path that would lead me to my dreams.

Despite my tireless efforts and the countless hours spent preparing, the NEET exam day finally arrived. I did my best, but deep down, I knew my performance wasn't enough to secure a medical seat. As the days passed and the results drew closer, a growing sense of dread settled over me.

When the results were finally announced, my fears were confirmed. My marks were too low to gain admission to a medical college. The weight of disappointment was overwhelming, crushing my spirit. I had poured everything into this dream, sacrificing so much, only to fall short. It felt like all my hard work and determination had been in vain.

I avoided my friends and family, not wanting to face their reactions. My father, as expected, didn't say much. His silence spoke volumes, echoing my own feelings of failure and inadequacy. My mother tried to comfort me, but her efforts only reminded me of how I had let everyone down.

I let the tears fall freely. The future that had once seemed so clear and bright was now shrouded in uncertainty and doubt. I questioned everything—my abilities, my dreams, and whether I had made the right choices. The fear of facing a life I didn't want, one dictated by my father's traditional expectations, loomed large.

Despite the heartbreak, a small part of me refused to give up. I remembered the determination that had driven me to pursue PCB despite the odds, the resilience that had kept me going through countless setbacks. I knew I couldn't let this failure define me. There had to be another way, another path that would lead me to my dreams.

One day, my father called me into the living room. His expression was stern, the same unyielding look he always wore when making important decisions. “Aanya,” he said, “have you decided what you want to do?”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation I knew was coming. “I don’t want to be a dentist,” I replied. “I would like to take a drop year and prepare for NEET again.”

My father’s face darkened. “It’s not about the money, Aanya. It’s about age. You’re already 18. In four years, you’ll have to get married. I can’t afford to extend your age for getting married. You’re not my only child. Do you understand?”

I had expected this response, but it still stung. “I know you always want me to get married,” I said, my voice shaking with pent-up anger and frustration. “If you wanted me to get married so badly, why did you bother raising me? You could have married me off when I was born. That would have saved you more money than you spent on raising me. Am I just a burden to you?”

My father’s eyes widened in shock, but I didn’t stop. The words poured out, years of pain and resentment boiling over. “I know I’m not as clever or brave as my siblings, but what about you? Have you ever succeeded in anything? Tell me, when you hit Mother, you failed as a husband. When you discriminate between your children, you fail as a father. And when you discriminate based on gender, you fail as a human being. And now you’re talking to me about success?”

He started to say something, but I cut him off. “Do you know how hard I’ve worked? Even though I failed, I worked harder than you’ll ever understand. But I don’t want to explain it to you because, even if I did, you wouldn’t understand. I’m the one experiencing this, not you.”

The room fell into a heavy silence. My mother stood in the doorway, her face pale and eyes wide with fear. My siblings watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity. For once, my father seemed at a loss for words.

“I’m not asking for your approval,” I continued, my voice steady now. “I’m telling you what I want to do with my life. If you can’t support me, then I’ll find a way to do it on my own.”

With that, I turned and walked out of the room, leaving my father in stunned silence. I didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in my life, I felt a sense of control over my destiny. I was determined to fight for my dreams, no matter the obstacles in my path.

As I closed the door to my room, I allowed myself a moment to breathe. I knew that standing up to my father was just the beginning. The road ahead would be long and difficult, but I was ready to face it. For the first time, I felt a spark of hope. I wasn’t just fighting for my dream of becoming a doctor; I was fighting for my right to choose my own path in life.

One day, my father called me into the living room. His expression was stern, the same unyielding look he always wore when making important decisions. “Aanya,” he said, “have you decided what you want to do?”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the confrontation I knew was coming. “I don’t want to be a dentist,” I replied. “I would like to take a drop year and prepare for NEET again.”

My father’s face darkened. “It’s not about the money, Aanya. It’s about age. You’re already 18. In four years, you’ll have to get married. I can’t afford to extend your age for getting married. You’re not my only child. Do you understand?”

I had expected this response, but it still stung. “I know you always want me to get married,” I said, my voice shaking with pent-up anger and frustration. “If you wanted me to get married so badly, why did you bother raising me? You could have married me off when I was born. That would have saved you more money than you spent on raising me. Am I just a burden to you?”

My father’s eyes widened in shock, but I didn’t stop. The words poured out, years of pain and resentment boiling over. “I know I’m not as clever or brave as my siblings, but what about you? Have you ever succeeded in anything? Tell me, when you hit Mother, you failed as a husband. When you discriminate between your children, you fail as a father. And when you discriminate based on gender, you fail as a human being. And now you’re talking to me about success?”

He started to say something, but I cut him off. “Do you know how hard I’ve worked? Even though I failed, I worked harder than you’ll ever understand. But I don’t want to explain it to you because, even if I did, you wouldn’t understand. I’m the one experiencing this, not you.”

The room fell into a heavy silence. My mother stood in the doorway, her face pale and eyes wide with fear. My siblings watched from a distance, their expressions a mix of shock and curiosity. For once, my father seemed at a loss for words.

“I’m not asking for your approval,” I continued, my voice steady now. “I’m telling you what I want to do with my life. If you can’t support me, then I’ll find a way to do it on my own.”

With that, I turned and walked out of the room, leaving my father in stunned silence. I didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in my life, I felt a sense of control over my destiny. I was determined to fight for my dreams, no matter the obstacles in my path.

As I closed the door to my room, I allowed myself a moment to breathe. I knew that standing up to my father was just the beginning. The road ahead would be long and difficult, but I was ready to face it. For the first time, I felt a spark of hope. I wasn’t just fighting for my dream of becoming a doctor; I was fighting for my right to choose my own path in life.

n the days that followed my emotional confrontation with my father, a heavy silence settled over our home. We both navigated around each other, words left unspoken but emotions simmering beneath the surface. Despite his apologies, the weight of his expectations still hung over me like a shadow.

I knew I had to make a decision about my future soon. Every day, I felt the walls closing in, the pressure to conform to my father’s wishes mounting. But deep inside, a spark of defiance flickered. I wasn’t ready to give up on my dreams, not yet.

One afternoon, I gathered the courage to broach the topic that had been weighing on my mind. My father was sitting in his study, buried in paperwork. I stood in the doorway, heart pounding but resolve firm.

“Father,” I began, my voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in my stomach, “I’ve been thinking about my future.”

He looked up, his expression guarded but attentive. “Yes?”

“I want to join the military as a nurse,” I said, the words spilling out before I could second-guess myself.

His brows furrowed slightly, and I saw the hesitation flicker across his face. “A nurse in the military?”

“Yes,” I replied firmly. “I’ve researched it. It’s a noble profession, and it combines my passion for medicine with a sense of service to our country.”

He sighed, setting aside his papers and regarding me with a mix of concern and resignation. “Aanya, you know how society views these things. It’s not just about what you want. It’s about what’s practical, what’s acceptable.”

“I understand,” I said, my voice tinged with frustration. “But why should being a girl limit my choices? I’m capable, Father. I can do this.”

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “It’s not about capability, Aanya. It’s about... tradition, societal norms.”

“But I don’t want to be bound by those norms,” I insisted, my frustration bubbling over. “I want to break free from the constraints that society has placed on me.”

He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “I know you’re determined, Aanya. But this path... it’s not easy. There will be challenges, obstacles.”

“I’m willing to face those challenges,” I said firmly. “I’ve faced challenges my whole life. This is no different.”

He looked at me then, a mixture of pride and apprehension in his eyes. “You’re so much like your mother,” he murmured, more to himself than to me.

“What do you mean?” I asked, curious despite myself.

“She had dreams too,” he said softly, a hint of sadness in his voice. “But life had different plans for her. She sacrificed so much for us, for our family.”

I felt a pang of empathy for my mother, whose dreams had been stifled by the expectations placed upon her. “I don’t want to live a life of regrets,” I said quietly. “I want to follow my heart.”

He nodded slowly, his expression softening. “I understand, Aanya. And I admire your courage.”

“Will you let me pursue this?” I asked, holding my breath.

He hesitated, then nodded. “I will support you, Aanya. But promise me you’ll be careful. Promise me you’ll think things through.”

Relief washed over me, mingled with gratitude. “Thank you, Father. I won’t let you down.”

As I turned to leave, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. The road ahead would be challenging, but for the first time in a long while, I felt a glimmer of hope. I was finally taking a step towards my own future, on my own terms.

In the months that followed, I threw myself into preparations for joining the military as a nurse. Every day was a whirlwind of studying, physical training, and mental preparation. My father, true to his word, supported me quietly from the sidelines, offering words of encouragement when I needed them most.

The journey was not easy. There were moments of doubt and fear, moments when I questioned whether I had made the right decision. But with each passing day, I grew stronger in both body and spirit. I forged friendships with fellow recruits who shared my determination and drive. Together, we faced the challenges of military training with grit and resilience.

As graduation day approached, I stood tall among my peers, my heart filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The uniform I wore symbolized not just a career choice, but a triumph over adversity and societal expectations. I had proven to myself—and to everyone who doubted me—that I was capable of achieving my dreams, no matter the obstacles in my path.

On the day of my commissioning ceremony, my father stood in the audience, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. He had come to accept my decision, understanding that my happiness and fulfillment were worth more than conforming to outdated norms. As I received my insignia and took my oath of service, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for his silent support and unwavering belief in me.

Looking back now, I realize that my journey was not just about becoming a military nurse—it was about finding my voice, standing up for what I believed in, and breaking free from the chains of societal expectations. It was about forging my own path and defining success on my own terms.

Today, as I stand on the frontlines of service, caring for those in need and making a difference in the world, I carry with me the lessons learned from my struggles and triumphs. I am grateful for the challenges that shaped me, for they taught me resilience, compassion, and the power of perseverance.

My story is not just mine alone—it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the importance of following one’s dreams, and the transformative power of belief in oneself. And as I look towards the future, I know that wherever life may lead me, I will continue to embrace each challenge with courage and determination, knowing that I am capable of achieving greatness.

This is not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new journey—one filled with endless possibilities and the promise of a life lived with purpose and passion.



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