“I hail from a middle-class family, one where the daughter’s wedding takes precedence over everything else. My parents, my relatives, friends of relatives, neighbors, in short, everyone I knew was involved in finding me that perfect match. And for them, the definition of the ideal match was not someone whose way of thinking was compatible with me or will treat me right.

A guy with a well-paid job and belonging to the same community was all that they saw. And I don’t blame them too, for them a person who is well-educated and earns well is someone who can provide their daughter a comfortable life. They were right from their perspective, and these searches and shortlisting took a few years. I graduated from college and soon got married.

My married life wasn’t indeed, rosy. It had traces of thorns in every step, and from day one, my role in my husband’s family was made clear. I was there to do all the chores, bear them a child, yet not talk much to my husband. Just like most girls do, I too believed that things will eventually get better, and it’s all just a matter of time. I did not share my woes with my family as I didn’t want to trouble them. They were going through enough trying to pay back the debts from my wedding.

A few months into my marriage, I found that I was pregnant, I was the happiest person on earth! Months went by, and I delivered a child at my parent’s place as was the tradition. Neither my husband nor my in-laws came to see the baby, it’s been seven years, and he has still not come. His reason, I had a daughter, not a son. I added to their burden by bearing a daughter.

I live with my parents, work in a school, my daughter studies in the same school that I work in. She’s my reason to live, and I only hope she grows up to prioritize her career over everything else!”

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