Don’t suffer in Silence! Love shouldn’t Hurt!

‘I am sorry!! But I was just angry and slapped you but I didn’t mean to hurt you’ screamed Abhinav. I have done so much for you and even went against my parents to make you my life partner. Just put it aside and let’s move on. Shaila’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 Abhinav’s wrath that had left her aggrieved. She had on earlier occasions tried to brush aside Abinav’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 Shaila looked at herself in the mirror-lined with dainty fairy lights, she was reminded of the time Abhinav had surprised her by arranging a candlelight dinner on their first month anniversary. Her bruised and swollen face was now a nagging reminder of the appalling turn the relationship had taken. 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. Shaila was aghast with the blatant manifestation of Abhinav’s violent behaviour a few months into the marriage. There needed to be an embargo on this ruthless domestic violence Shaila was being subjected to quite a few times in the last few months. She realised that her biggest mistake was to not stand up for herself the first time he had raised her hand on 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 Abhinav had blinded her and she bought his apology.

Abhinav always had a volatile temper but during the courtship days, it was camouflaged as being possessive about his beloved. On looking back Shaila 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 Abhinav and start a life of dreams with him. Shaila was a confident and promising investment banker with an MNC Bank and was prolific in her 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 around her wedding.

She could hear Abhinav banging hard on the door and instead of being apologetic for his barbarian behaviour, he was swearing and ordered 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. Shaila was so disappointed and enraged with his mindset and wanted to slap him back but her values acted as her barrier. She shouted asking him to never show his face to her. Abhinav swore and left in a huff.

Shaila picked up the phone and dialled her parents with whom she had snapped her ties post marriage. She wanted to apologise for her disappointment and 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 Verma said in a soft yet reassuring manner ‘You were, are and always will be my pride Shaila’. Shaila broke down and gathered herself to share the trauma of domestic violence that she had been facing. Mr Verma 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 will be our beloved daughter till the last day of our lives. I will come and fetch you. We will file a complaint against Abhinav. Come home to where you can live your dreams without any fear’.

Shaila 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. Remember you are much more than your marital status, own your life and don’t ever compromise on your self-esteem. At any given moment you have the power to say this is not how my story is going to end. Woman!! Love and respect yourself.