World Pulse

join-banner-text

A girl I met through my campaign Human is near you - you are not alone



Photo Credit: Journalist Dharaa Patel

Through my campaign "Human is near you, you are not alone," I came across a girl today.She wed a man who was picked out by her parents. She is quite culturally savvy and thinks that whatever her parents do is best for her.

She married for social reasons even though she later learned that her husband is gay. Given that no Indian girl could possibly consider returning to her parents' home, she has accepted that as her fate. As her spouse started beating her, this acceptance was no longer helpful to her. He brutally beat her one day, fracturing her as a result. He expelled her from his home, and her parents eventually took her into the hospital.

The moment her parents realised how much pain their daughter was going through. They had plans in place to bring her home, but the child wasn't ready because she was aware of the social mores. She returned to her husband's house with the hope of finding him there, but a few days later, he flatly refused to let her into his life.

As a result of the family's support from a few relatives at the time, the girl had the strength to make a choice and went back to live with her parents. Although you might think it was a wise choice, it was the worst one you could have made. Everywhere she attends a social event, she and her family are met with questions and acts of kindness.When she speaks to the neighbor's daughter, who used to be a close friend of hers, her parents forbid her from continuing their friendship since she might end up returning to her parents' home like she did. And they had this entire chat in front of her just to make her feel bad.

When she tries to express her opinion in any situation, relatives cut her off.  One neighbour claimed that the family was unfortunate since the girl had returned and had tried to smear the girl because of family disputes. This incident made her want to kill herself, but fortunately her parents intervened and stopped her.

The biggest threat to every woman who wants to move past her troubled history is society. Although Ayesha, a young woman who committed suicide while filming it, made headlines, the true villain was society, as we all know. She knew that if she went back to her parents' house, her family would be harassed by neighbours and family members. Another woman I met wanted to relocate to Australia since she is divorced and daily compromises must be made between her family and her dignity.

Some would argue that women should be independent, and that those who earn well should make the choice. This is the solution for them.Will you be able to pay your bills if your parents abandoned you and you make 30,000 to 35,000 from a job that is likewise not permanent? It is soul-stirring,  Many people in my neighbourhood refer to our respected prime minister as "Vandho" since he is single. It demonstrates that our mentality and personal attacks shouldn't be tolerated in any way.  

  • Human Rights
    • South and Central Asia
    Like this story?
    Join World Pulse now to read more inspiring stories and connect with women speaking out across the globe!
    Leave a supportive comment to encourage this author
    Tell your own story
    Explore more stories on topics you care about