“This is my second innings in life after being declared mentally unstable by my own siblings earlier. Rivalry within families is’nt a new reality but it’s startling sometimes to see the lengths to which one’s own kin can go in their quest for the family’s legacy. It makes me want to believe sometimes that money is, in fact, the root cause of all evil.

Born in Tindivanam, I was the eldest of eight siblings, three sisters and four brothers. Now though we were wealthy initially, the sheer size of our clan started draining our father’s money. He was a farmer and didn’t see good harvests himself for quite a while. So as we grew up, the duty to support my family befell me and I was occupied in helping my unwell dad to scale the business. But little did I know that in the meanwhile my brother’s were busy plotting, out of hypothetical fear that a large portion of our remaining assets would come to me once our father passes away.

Next, all that was required was just a trigger to set it all off! And in this case, it erupted in the form of a public brawl once I discovered the truth and a series of related consequences after which they managed to ostracize me quoting mental instability to be the reason.

In one way, however, I’m glad it all happened for it made me realize the ones who were by my side when I was at my worst. Today, I operate as an independent vegetable vendor taking care of my wife and two daughters. Life is indeed quite silent in comparison to the bustle of a joint family and the surrounding I grew up in, but it’s ok! At least my experiences have helped me finally understand what family truly means- it’s not about blood, it’s about who’s willing to hold your hand when you need it the most!”

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