“I’m Parameshwari, and I reside near MGR Nagar, Chennai, with my two children, husband, and mother.
I’ve been working in many households and companies for almost 20+ years. I’m 36 years old now.
I’m taking care of my entire family since my husband stays at home, my daughter just completed her 12th grade, my son is in his 5th grade, and I have a sister who is a widow with a baby that I’ve decided to take care of.
Life has been a struggle. But I learned that we can only be happy when we think we have to stay happy. Being happy isn’t a struggle, but it’s just a mental process.
There’s nothing that women cannot do. I did not pursue any education. I was married early. My husband keeps drinking as a hobby, but though he was working initially, he isn’t now.
Every day I wake up at 4 am and provide the goods to my mother, as she has a roadside shop in Koyambedu. Then I travel to a house where I do all household chores, eat my lunch (if I have time) and run to a company where I help the IT employees in making coffees, then zoom… my next job at a street food shop where I wash the plates until it’s around 10 or 11 PM. After all the fields of work, I travel back home tiredly and take rest for 4 hours.
The next day has the same schedule. I don’t have weekends, holidays, or Sundays like many. Even if I had to take leave, I must request all the places I work for. Even if one denies granting permission, that doesn’t calculate as a ONE-DAY LEAVE.
Every night, I used to dream about living with my children in my own house, with no rental problems, and itinerating to my workplaces in my vehicle. Finally, all my fear encounters and hard work got an effect.
Despite the struggles, I managed to save money to build a house for our family and a scooter for myself.
Yes, both my dreams are fulfilled now. Though the tiny house was built with the help of a loan, I’m working hard to repay the loan. And I have my travel buddy with me. I don’t know what life has for me the next day. But, whatever it is, I’ve promised to stay determinedly happy.
Nothing will happen if we rock our hearts or hurt ourselves – the consequences will only get worse. Instead, if we know that the process is slow, at least let’s enjoy it – that’s the least we can do to stay in peace. Stay happy, whatsoever – it’s okay, it’s just a phase!”