Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
“Your husband takes care of your every need, be it food or clothing. Even he takes you out often. Why are you whining, then? You have to bear with him.”
Trigger Warning: Suicidal Ideation and threat, psychological abuse, unsupportive parents.
“There’s enough mayhem everywhere. Don’t you dare disturb the peace of your house?” My mother hung off her phone.
Now, the context: I was about to commit suicide. Fed up with the daily drama in the house, and the provoked husband’s diatribes and emotional abuse, I had assumed ending my life would be easier and better.
But being a responsible man and husband, he informed my mother. If situations got worse, he might land up in jail. And, everyone knows, how sincere and lovable he is!
My mother had iron-handedly stopped every healthy communication with me a long time back, ever since I had complained about my monstrous relatives. Unhealed childhood trauma made me an introvert. Hence, expecting her to say a few words in my favour at this stage, was futile.
That evening, my parents came over to my place. I knew what was going to ensue. I chose to remain as silent as a stone.
And so, she started. A few pointers include:
And, the final and most promising one, according to her,
For every piece of advice, I had my answer. However, when she had never recognized my feelings, I preferred to be mum. So, I blankly smiled, and let her leave.
Healthy communication is needed to maintain a relationship. Perhaps, since I shared an unhealthy bond with my mother, I had opened up to my husband. At the start, I would speak about everything. Gradually, I discerned, how he relished making fun of them.
And, so, again, I began to chew my own words.
Suppression became another self. Things turned sour post-childbirth. And, after the Corona outbreak, when the in-laws made him their puppet, I knew, what exactly was going to be in my kitty.
However, I wasn’t a sponge that I could go on tolerating such a nuisance. I openly revolted. I pinpointed their harassment. And, even if I overlooked the in-laws, didn’t I deserve the basics of dignity from my husband?
Why should he play with my feelings as a condition to provide me with food and clothing?
Today, nothing has changed.
I continue to ignore and pray.
Just one genuine support from anyone in this world, especially financial (for I have lost faith in the emotional one) can surely put me in a better position in life.
If you or anyone you know is feeling 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: Still from Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya Hey, edited on CanvaPro
I have been a school teacher and a content writer. I am now a full time mother to a hyper active toddler. I try to relax myself by writing, reading, singing or listening to music. read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia.
It is amazing when a person turns personal adversity into a calling, and extends empathy to make a significant impact in the lives of other people. This has been the life’s journey of Dr Nalini Parthasarathi.
April 17 is World Hemophilia Day. Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023.
Hemophilia is a condition where one or more clotting factor is absent leading to bleeding. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
Please enter your email address