Life Of A Strong Woman

"Marriage - The Free rehabilitation facility”. An old age regressive phenomenon which we abide by the parochial attitude with our eyes shut and arms open.

Diya was 19, her insouciance and couldn't care less attitude was quite a concern for her parents. She was married off at the tender age, only to realize that life was no more a bed of roses. Anant, 26, was not a regular husband, he was committed to a celibate lifestyle, filled with meditation and prayer. His natural disposition was towards his guru and other priestly duties, yet, he got into the vicious cycle of relationship albeit not with his conscious volition but family’s undue pressure. Both of them inhabited the disparate world of thoughts and with nothing similar, marriage was certainly on the rocks.

Not to forget, Diya was born and raised in a city while Anant belonged to a village where life felt a standstill after the sunset. Used to the city life, which was not sedating and peaceful but comfortable with all the mod cons available, the hushed life of village felt strenuous. With no fans to cool homes in the summer heat, dim light of kerosene lamps, and a cold-hearted husband, life seemed difficult, bland and insipid.

So, what was the society’s expectations from this atypical wedlock? Why was Diya and her family kept aloof from Anant’s spiritual inclination and his unsociable nature? Was she expected to take up the role of a “Therapist/Psychologist” and change her partner’s predilection? Did they believe in the concept of “Sacred Sexual Healing” and assumed that Anant’s life will change after “few moments” of nuptial bliss?

2 years into a marriage, Anant and Diya bond remained the same, withered and unloving, nothing changed much except for the fact that they became parents to a baby girl.

“This had to happen”; wheeling in unison, everyone’s face gleamed with pride. Was this change for good or it was just a mirage giving false hopes?

The happiness was indeed ephemeral; Diya was jolted out of the reverie soon after Anant vanished without a trace for the next few months. Even the birth of a child could not mend his ways; he remained impassive and cold towards his wife and wore another hat of being a negligent father. His religious propensity increased manifold, marriage, and the child, evidently, could not withhold his sentiments. By now, Diya knew that she needed to take full charge of her life otherwise it would be blown to smithereens.

Shattered and broken, she was in terrible agony but where was the time to cry? Her daughter needed her, she was no more just a wife or a meek daughter in law, she was a mother who had to be strong. Despite the marital turbulence, she had to be self-reliant and resilient. Was there any other choice?

This marked the beginning of her further struggles, new and more challenging. Diya had to stand on her own feet, it was essential to earning a living and be economically independent. When she discussed the matter with her husband and in-laws, it startled them and to her dismay, the proposition was instantly dismissed. How could a woman earn and her husband not provide for her?? It was definitely a sin going to be committed if Diya would start working. But she did not give up and kept fighting for her rights until they acceded to her want and allowed her to start working. This was undeniably a fete, she could not control her jubilant emotions on getting her first salary. Out of sheer respect, she did hand over her entire salary to her in-laws and with this, she found herself caught in a vicious circle where she still remained a submissive daughter in law, dependent even for a penny! But nothing could deter her free spirit. Instead of dwelling on the negativity, she rather chose to focus on her self worth and thrive in her work.

Life went on, 10 years after her first kid, Diya gave birth to a baby boy. It was a moment of glory, the family celebrated this with much revelry as the heir of the family had arrived finally. This too could not rekindle Anant’s interests in family life. His visits to his house started dwindling further while his devotion towards his guru grew copiously. This hardly mattered to Diya, she had long forgotten that she was a wife too and had her owns desires! Colorful saris and radiant bangles were no more desirable, but a hint of sindoor on her forehead was a must addition to her everyday attire. It worked like a weapon and saved her from the lecherous looks of perverted people. Many problems came and went by but she showed unflinching determination throughout her life and did set a heroic example for her kids and her family. She worked tirelessly for 37 continuous years and is now serving a comfortable retired life with her son in a metro city.

Diya is a true warrior whose perseverance and tenacity knew no bounds. She is the ultimate paragon of virtue, patience, and beauty!