“Being the youngest GIRL in the family, I got the opportunity to complete my 10th grade, which itself was a boon to me. My mom got me married to one of my cousins in my 27th year on this earth.

Life was smooth, initially. He ran a Garments business and we settled down in Hosur from Chennai.

We were bestowed with our first girl child in 2001. I was more than delighted and over-joyed to hold my happiness. But things changed after my second one was born. I was, actually, again bestowed with a second girl child, which brought so many conflicts into our family. My husband, who was expecting a boy, was highly disappointed. From the day my second daughter was born, he continuously kept harassing me and the infant for the reason that I gave birth to the female gender and that she is of no use to the family.

She couldn’t yet determine if the actions were pure chauvinism or old-fashioned civility. There is a lot of cultural and culinary chauvinism among the minority communities.

Every night was a disaster. I haven’t slept a single night without his harsh words and brutal physical torture. There were many days when my head was badly injured and blood kept pouring which wasn’t visible to the drunk man’s eyes.

After 3 years of unavoidable abuse, I left him – not just because he tormented me, but also to the fact that he was involved in the act of infidelity.

He took all my jewels and money and ran with her. Unfortunately, their relationship didn’t work after a few months. But that didn’t stop him from having another affair. He married another woman and now has 2 children as well.

However, I got this information very late and never even bothered to turn my ears towards him.

The moment when I felt no use to my living, I tried committing suicide, but I don’t want my two beautiful angels to stay horrified in life. I solidly knew that none of my family members would take care of them after my demise.

My brothers, who were behind my parents’ assets, wounded my mother very badly. It was intolerant and hence, I took her with me.

I’ve been employed as a watchwoman in one of the apartments in Chennai for the past 17 years.

I now live with my 85-year old mother, a 21-year old daughter, who is pursuing her Microbiology, and my Kutty girl, who is 19.

Women can survive alone & independent – we can fight battles much stronger than anybody could ever think of.

I’m a divorcee and the breadwinner for my family!”