Penning my thoughts about a life I have chosen to leave has always been difficult for me. The mere mention brings back some very unpleasant memories and hence I’ve decided to do this anonymously.

The term ‘Second Chance’ describes a life altering moment that presents itself with a new chance, an opportunity for course correction and a start afresh. Something similar happened with me.

Terminally ill mother, a lost love, immense societal pressure to get married and no desire to excel in my career left me with no options but to cave in to the pressure of ‘Holy Matrimony’.

And so, the deed was done, mother was joyous, father was affectionate, society gave a nod of approval and the wedding photographer conjured up a love that did not exist.

All is hunk dory until the dust under the carpets starts creeping up; cracks in the walls become more prominent. Have you’ll watched the movie “Thappad?” Aisa hi kuch hua.

We’re sitting in 2020, still women don’t get the respect they deserve in this patriarchal, misogynist society. The society that nit picks flaws in a women but ignores major shortcomings of a man.

A few months of such treatment being meted out to me, something in me erupted. A volcano that had been simmering for a long time. Trust me until that day I was a timid woman. I had no voice, no personality and no passion for this wonderful gift called ‘LIFE’

On one particular day, I manned up, displayed some grit and walked out, with a promise to never look back.

Let’s just leave the sob story aside and progress to the time I moved to the ‘City of Dreams’ i.e. Mumbai. Moving here not only meant changing my zip code but it somehow also shaped my personality. If you can learn to fight your own battles and manage to survive all odds, this is the city for you. It welcomes you with open arms but also throws you in a dark alley to fend for yourself, friends are family here and the concept of nosy neighbours does not exist.

Its moulded me into a big city woman, one who loves the hustle and bustle the city has to offer, a boss woman who demands gender equality and pay parity. These experiences have made me who I am today, and I am thankful to the one person who stood by me in all odds – Meri Maa.

To say the least, I have thoroughly enjoyed my transformation. I’m still the same sensitive soul but now I assess people, situations and things with a fine comb. I’m extremely passionate about my work and wish to shatter the glass ceiling one day.

Btw this 2.0 version of me has enabled me to kick some ass and leave a lasting impact on a whole bunch of people.

A PAGE FROM THE DIARY OF…

..A beautiful young and strong woman who doesn’t wish to be named.