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The mask she wears to hide her bruises, her pain, her distress from everyone, to hold up her head and go through life... can you not see it?
The mask she wears to hide her bruises, her pain, her distress from everyone, to hold up her head and go through life… can you not see it?
She is bemused. It is startling to see everyone wear the mask, to talk about it, to ask which one is needed?
The mask is not something that is new to her, you see…
She chuckles at the questions you ask, Because she has always worn a mask The mask that hid the bruise, Made possible for you to ignore the abuse The mask let you imagine she was fulfilled Inspite of her thousand dreams killed It showed none of her pain So you needed to take no blame The mask with the fake smile pasted Hiding the emptiness that left her wasted Covering what you wouldn’t hear, The mask was her live saver. So behind a façade she would shrink, Pushing herself to the brink. Staring at a deep abysss As all truth you would dismiss Today, she lets her thoughts meander, To what she would often wonder. When she was left with no without, Looking inwards resolved her doubt She saw through the cloak that you wear, Of control, of a society beyond repair She recognised how you played your part With blinkers; and the mask on your heart
Bemused, she smiles. Masks, or no masks, she still has the capacity to feel, and the courage to believe. Do you, dear world, dear society, have the same?
Can you still smile beneath your mask?
If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed or suicidal, here are some of the helplines available in India. Please call. Aasra, Mumbai: 022-27546669 Sneha, Chennai: 044-2464 0050 Lifeline, Kolkata: 033-2474 4704 Sahai, Bangalore: 080–25497777 Roshni, Hyderabad: 040-66202000, 040-66202001
Image source: johnhain on pixabay
Shalini is the author of "Stars from the Borderless Sea", a collection of three novella length stories that explore different nuances of love. She is a practicing doctor with more than 20 years of experience read more...
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If you want to get back to work after a break, here’s the ultimate guide to return to work programs in India from tech, finance or health sectors - for women just like you!
Last week, I was having a conversation with a friend related to personal financial planning and she shared how she had had fleeting thoughts about joining work but she was apprehensive to take the plunge. She was unaware of return to work programs available in India.
She had taken a 3-year long career break due to child care and the disconnect from the job arena that she spoke about is something several women in the same situation will relate to.
More often than not, women take a break from their careers to devote time to their kids because we still do not have a strong eco-system in place that can support new mothers, even though things are gradually changing on this front.
A married woman has to wear a sari, sindoor, mangalsutra, bangles, anklets, and so much more. What do these ornaments have to do with my love, respect, and commitment to my husband?
They: Are you married? Me: Yes They: But You don’t look like it Me: (in my Mind) Why should I?
Why is being married not enough for a woman, and she needs to look married too? I am tired of such comments in the nearly four years of being married.
I believe that anything that is forced is not right. I must have a choice. I am a living human, not a puppet. And I am not stopping anyone by not following any tradition. You are free to do whatever you like to do. But do not force others. It’s depressing.