Love should'nt Hurt-Love Heals

'I love you, I am sorry!! I slapped you in anger but I didn’t mean to hurt you,' screamed Anish. I have done so much for you and even went against my parents to make you my life partner. Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill, so put it aside and let’s move on. Shaina's face was red with a faint imprint of his hand, moist eyes emoting anger, disappointment, pain and frown lines on the forehead. Her dishevelled hair, muffled groans and broken bangles stood testimony to Anish's wrath that had left her aggrieved. She had on earlier occasions tried to brush aside Anish's verbal and physical abuse as random outbursts and had forgiven him each time as he would apologise by sighting his volatile temper and then profess his love but this was the final nail in the coffin. She rushed out and shut the door with a loud thud.

As Shaina looked at herself in the mirror-lined with dainty fairy lights, she was reminded of the time Anish had surprised her by arranging a candlelight dinner and sang to serenade her on their first month anniversary. Her bruised and swollen face was now a nagging reminder of the appalling turn the relationship had taken in a few months. She broke down and wept bitterly reminiscing her courtship days. She could barely recognise the man she had loved for five years and married by defying her parents. Shaina was aghast with the blatant manifestation of Anish's violent behaviour a few months into the marriage. What started out as an occasional verbal assualt soon took a toxic turn. There needed to be an embargo on this ruthless domestic violence Shaina was being subjected to quite a few times in the last few months in the guise of love. She realised that her biggest mistake was to not stand up for herself the first time he had physically assaulted her, for something as trivial as not willing to accompany him for one of his office dinners. She was taken aback to see his reaction, but he cajoled her into letting it pass by giving frivolous alibis like having had a tough day at work. The bruises were sore but her love for Anish had blinded her and she bought into his apology.

Anish always had a volatile temper but during the courtship days, it was camouflaged as being possessive about his beloved. Looking back Shaina wished she had recognised these signs early and stayed away from getting into this toxic relationship. She had paid no heed to her parents who had identified this fickleness and forewarned her. They were not in favour of this marriage and she had defied them, left her home to marry Anish and start a life of dreams with him. Shaina was a confident and promising investment banker with an MNC Bank with  a prolific professional and social life. She felt miserable thinking of the hurt and pain her parents were put through because of her decision as they had woven so many dreams to see her soar. They had made innumerable sacrifices to pave the way to her success and her hasty decision had left them heartbroken.

She could hear Anish banging hard on the door and instead of being apologetic for his barbarian behaviour, he was swearing and warned her to not stretch this any further. He had the audacity to mention that it was no big deal and most men displayed their temper on their wives from times immemorial. Shaina was so disappointed and enraged with his archaic mindset. She wanted to slap him back but her values acted as her barrier but she could no longer hold back as this had pushed he tolerance threshold. She shot back in a firm loud voice that never wanted to see his face ever again. Anish was taken aback with this retort and left in a huff swearing and muttering under his breath.

Shaina picked up the phone and dialled her parents with whom she had snapped her ties post marriage. She wanted to apologise for h her defiant behaviour. Her father received the call and could immediately sense her pain even before she said a word. She said’ Sorry Papa!! I have let you down.' Her father Mr Kulshrestha said in a soft yet reassuring manner ‘You were, are and always will be my pride Shaina’. Shaina broke down and gathered herself to share the trauma of domestic violence that she had been facing. Mr Kulshrestha in a composed manner asked her to pack her bags and come back home. He continued ‘ I don’t believe in Kanyadaan! I can’t ever give you away in ‘daan’. You are and always will be our 'Pride' till the last day of our lives. You are not alone, just hold in there, I will come and fetch you. We will file a domestic violence complaint  against Anish. Come home to where you can live your dreams without any fear’.

Shaina gained her strength from her father and she said ‘ I am waiting for you, Papa’. She wiped away her tears, washed her face, combed her hair and packed her belongings. Finally, she was ready to walk away from the toxic relationship and live the life she deserved.

All the women who are still suffering in silence, harness your strength and Say NO! to domestic violence. You are much more than your marital status, own your life and don’t ever compromise on your self-esteem. You have the power to say this is not how my story is going to end. Woman!! Love and respect yourself as you are complete and perfect with your imperfections. Love should'nt ever hurt, Love Heals.