One Step At A Time

Kamala; Anvika’s maid walked into home with heavy steps. She entered the kitchen to start with the daily household chores.

Anvika found something strange, stopped her on the way enquiring, ‘Kamala, what is all these red-coloured marks on your hands and back, and why these swollen blood red eyes? What’s wrong with you?’

‘Kuch nai didi, ye to roj ka mere pati ka pyaar hai(This is everyday’s love of my husband). But today there was an overflow of love and hence, a bit more visible,’ answered Kamala, wiping her tears with the corner of her pallu.

What? What are you talking about?

‘Yes didi, daily night he comes home drunk and beats me without any reason. Sometimes, he spends the entire night with the lady next door and at the end of the month asks my entire salary and spends wholly on his drinks,’ sobbing Kamala managed to say.

And you are undergoing all this silently? Why don’t you raise your voice against this ill-treatment?

No didi, I can’t. After all, he is my husband. He is the father of my kids. How can I?

Then, what are you going to do? Simply go on leading your life like this by bearing this daily torture!

Didi, I’m praying everyday for the betterment of him. Even, I’ve been to many temples seeking him freedom from all his sins, to get rid of all his bad habits.

Do you think that is worth enough a step for your better future?

Then, what shall I do didi? You only tell me.

As far as I know, you are the only breadwinner of your family. He is not earning even a penny. Right?

Hunh.

Then why are you worried? If you really want me to suggest, then get out of this abusive marriage. It’s not going to fetch you anything despite shame and humiliation. In fact, it’s creating a negative impact on the minds of your kids. They are grasping a lot from it and getting themselves conditioned.

I didn’t get it didi!

Let me explain to you. Your son will grow up thinking the whole authority lies in his pockets and it’s perfectly fine to do anything with your wife and kids. Your daughter will learn to accept that it’s her fate and she has to bear it all through her life and abide by the decisions of the male counterpart.

Kamala kept mum and was just paying attention to Anvika’s words.

I know there are many questions and obligations running in your mind right now. But I know you can do it. You have to do it for your kids at least. Take one step at a time. Open a bank account and start saving money in it slowly. There are so many SHG(Self-help Group) extending their support to the needy. Reach out to them. Slowly get yourself engaged with extra work to earn a little more. You are good at stitching. Explore it. Slowly and slowly, taking one step at a time, you will reach your goals and make your kids future ready. Just think you are contributing a small step towards female empowerment, which will take the shape of a bigger and massive one as it would be passed on to the further generations. And I’m there to help you at any stage.

Didi I never thought in that way. But, I guess it’s the time to make a move and start afresh a new life with baby steps. Thank you so much didi for the guidance.

Anvika wiped her moist eyes, gave a warm hug to Kamala, wishing her good luck for the future.