Paralysis

Chaudharain’s confidence had taken a beating when she was diagnosed with paralysis. She was a firm believer in rules and principles. No woman in the village could come out of the house without a veil. But look at her now. One who could command the entire village was now unable to control her own body.

Chaudharain’s son who lived in the city took her along with him for her treatment. After a few days in the hospital, the doctor discharged her and said “we have saved her. But her condition can be improved only through physiotherapy.”

The son got her home. Her left hand and leg were not functioning. The son got a physiotherapist to treat his mother. Chaudharain could not handle a saree now. It was also not comfortable to exercise in a saree. Chaudharain’s daughter-in-law made got her daughter’s t-shirt and capris and dressed up Chaudharain in them. Chaudharain initially felt very odd in that dress but later realized that it was very comfortable. It was very easy to exercise in this dress and there was no danger of her falling down as well. Slowly, her situation was getting better due to exercise. When Chaudhary came to his son’s home to see his wife, he laughed looking at her dress.

Chaudharain said “I have now understood that no dress is bad. One earns respect not due to the dress, but from the heart. Please get it announced in the village that it is not mandatory for women to wear a veil. They can wear any dress that they are comfortable in.”

Chaudharain went to the village after getting well. All the women were dressed as per their choice in different multi-colored dresses and welcomed Chaudharain with music and dance. She was very happy to see the women dancing and enjoying freely like this.