Domestic Violence

In their misdirect happiness, my parents didn’t realize what they imposed upon me. I don’t know who to blame today for my numbness. So, thank you Mom and Dad for teaching this by bringing me face to face with the harsh reality of living in this society. This is how you ruined your baby’s life with your own hands and I still don’t know what I did so wrong. I curse the day when I took birth, especially as a girl. Why I came to this society?

The day for which my Mom and Dad waited for had arrived. There is loud music, loads of people, lights all around, happy faces etc. I was sitting in a chair and just looked down to see the Mehendi, especially to find the name of my fiancé engraved in. The Mehendi and red bangles adorned my hand so beautifully that the real beauty of my hand is covered deep underneath. The chains, ornaments and all jewellery which I wear to keep the prestige of my Mom and Dad covered me from top to bottom making sure am made of Gold and no one can see the human soul inside me. My Mother, Sisters, aunts all wanted me to look the best and they tried hard. All were crowded to take a glimpse of the bride. I haven’t seen these people in my life time, never. My Dad looks at me with teary eyes and my Mom overwhelmed. Their dreams coming alive.

I stand in front of the mirror to find out-What is bridal beauty? I didn’t even recognize myself. Where am I? I can’t recognize my soul, the human inside me. “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder”. But I couldn’t see me, Real me. All the marriage rituals were done and my Mr Right is here to stay with me for seven births inline, the so called Hindu Culture. My Mother, father, relatives cried and waved me and I went to a stranger home. I didn’t get the answer “ Why I left the childhood home, my family, my life, everything for a stranger known to me just a while ago. Now, where are all those crowds? They came, ate and left. Where are they when I needed them? Hindu Culture says a women’s house is her husband’s house but why I feel like a stranger here? Pushed away, crushed, silenced and controlled. Beaten black and blue, they tamed me, domesticated me. My soul cries in cage so tight. I am so unwanted here. They don’t need me. They forced me to live life in their way. I blamed myself, blame the world and never raised my voice in fear of shame in front of the society.

I was right I had seen no beauty in my bridal sight. I cried and cried till my pillows got drenched. I was caged when I wore the bridal gown. I cried and called my Dad to help me out from this situation for which he replied “Adjust Dear”. What can a daughter say to this? I cried and hugged my mother but she only calmed me down. Days passed by and I realised that my childhood home is not mine. How come they just for the sake of the society forgot their daughter and allowed her to be mis-used, domesticated and ill-treated. After few years of suffering when I found no one standing near me, I just packed my bags and stepped out. I knew there is no place to go and there is no one to support me. I thought it’s better to stand alone than to suffer. I am much more educated and can equally stand with my husband. I walked alone in the street and suddenly a glow of light strike me and I felt down and became unconscious. I opened my eyes at hospital and doctor told me “Dear, it’s a good news, you’re pregnant”. The glow light was God’s light which gave me a reason to stay alive. Head held high, the world is mine now. I stayed all alone. Ultimately, I gave birth to a baby girl, so beautiful that I now see that God is divine. Oh dear please listen to my whisper “Live your life like you wish to”. Forget all your pain. Live your dreams and not all what others dream for you. I promise you I will make sure of that. I will make sure if ever a man raises a finger at you I’m right there behind you to hold his little thing and hurt him so bad that he’ll remember it for rest of his life. I will never tell you to “ADJUST”.

Please women wake up from all suffering from domestic violence. Speak up. You are worth so much more. Find the self-respect you lost long back. Arise and Shine. Educate yourself, be independent. Have self-confidence. The World may be cruel at times, but you can win over it with self-respect, courage and will to live happily. As it’s said “Grass is always Green on the other side”. Come and take a walk on the other side. Remember we came all alone and we will leave all alone.