“My name is Shanthi. I’ve lived in Chennai my whole life. Every morning, I come to my little flower stall on ECR road by 9 am. I sit there till 8 pm, selling flowers and betel leaves. I only take a short break for lunch. This is my world now.
A few months ago, my world changed forever. My husband passed away. I still remember that day. He was feeling unwell, and I rushed him to a nearby hospital. They told us to take him to the government hospital. We were on the way when he had a heart attack. Just like that, he was gone.
We were married when I was just 16. For over forty years, we stood by each other – through joys and struggles. He used to take care of everything. He never let me worry about anything, always saying, “You sit, I’ll do it.” He was more than a husband – he was my best friend, my strength.
Now, when I sit at my flower stall, I feel so empty. I carry his photo in my purse and look at it every day. I talk to him sometimes in my head, telling him how my day went, and asking if he’s watching me.
My children – two sons and a daughter take good care of me. But no one can fill the space he left behind.
Life feels short now. We lived a full life together, and I have no regrets. If my time comes tomorrow, I will go happily, because I know he will be waiting for me.
Struggles are still around me. But without him, even a small struggle feels big. When he was with me, even the biggest troubles seemed small.
I miss him every moment. And I always will.”