Woman's Strength

Anchal was deeply elated to know that she had got through the premier institute for her masters. She also planned to go for specialization from a well-recognized university in Glasgow (Scotland) and set up her own practice in legal services. It was indeed a moment of pride for her family since she was the first member to go beyond graduation including the extended family. They hugged her with a heavy heart since she had earned it the hard way.

Nobody ever understood her dreams or even appreciated how passionate she was to pursue her studies. Though her family was not forcing her to stop studies and get married as the others in their neighborhood, they never said even a word of encouragement, not even when she scored the highest in her district during the board exams. They instead tried convincing her to dampen this crazy pursuit of higher studies or professional education. She arranged for the coaching and other resources out of her own scholarships and got references from her student community.

She often wondered, " Why so much indifference? Why they never feel good about me? Is it just because I am not willing to get married or that I am a girl so whatever I do stands null and void? " She did have another elder sister who was much revered in the family. She always had a piece of advice for everyone around, and people considered her worldly-wise. On the other hand, she only saw her relatives sigh and ignore her biggest achievements. It seemed as if people only take you seriously once you are married or could take interest in rituals and gossips. This is where Anchal scored really low and totally out of sync. She hated familial politics and the usual manipulation she had seen around. She often heard her relatives sarcastically remark to her mother, " Anju di, please take care of your daughter. She is very intelligent but very naive in homely affairs. Moreover, she is never at home, out for something or other. We are afraid you will find it very tough to find a suitable groom for her. And so much attitude, who likes such daughter in law? ". Anchal could see her mother visibly upset and worried after any of these social meets. This exacerbated her disgust for any social events or relationships. Such was the emotional angst, that she always dreamt of a life where there were no ghosts of her relationships or any connection with her past life. All these seemed to be extra baggage which she didn't want to bear anymore.

Then today, she was going to embark on this journey with renewed hopes of a life she needed. As her mother hugged her, she had tears in her eyes. As he looked at her daughter's resolute face and radiant eyes, she broke down and wept Inconsolably.

"My darling, please forgive me, I never became your strength, never supported you. I should have..."

"It's okay mom. You never held me back or did anything you should be ashamed of. "

"No dear, you deserved better. I always wanted to tell you that I am proud of you."

Anchal had heard this first time in her life and could not imagine these words were jaunt uttered by the same mother who looked so disinterested in her life. Yes, she always wanted her to be the pillar of strength but gave up a little too soon. This had choked her up and she could barely speak, " What are you saying Mum? Why... Did... Nt .. Y. O. U.. Say ...th..at?? "

Anju was embarrassed to see her daughter so deeply hurt. "I was scared, I didn't want you to fail and people mocking at you... I just requested everybody, including your father too. " She stopped abruptly.

Anchal was not sure what to expect or should she even hear more but wanted to know the truth. She pleaded this time, "Please speak up, mum. What did you request papa? "

Her mother reluctantly mentioned that her father wanted to get her married at 19 years and stop her studies right then. They had found a groom, nephew of her dad's friend. They thought it was a perfect match which is why she was often taunted by the relatives on this topic.

"I wanted to give you a fair chance to try your luck but nobody agreed with me. Hence I decided to keep neutral so that if you don't succeed, nobody mocks at you. I kept underplaying the situation, never knowing that in this process, I left you alone at every step with no encouragement. As a mother, I probably failed you because of my lack of knowledge and faith in your capabilities. "

Hearing this, Anchal was completely taken aback. So she never understood her own mother. She never spoke a word, but still removing boulders for her daughter silently. She may not have known anything about the field and its commercial implications, but understood the value of her daughter's dreams. " This time, she truly was soaked in love and hugged her mother again tightly.

"No Mum, you have not failed at all... You have done all that you could. If anything, our world has failed us for not being a supportive one. You have been so patient and quietly supporting me and my dreams. I am so sorry for not understanding you." She was angry at herself for thinking of a world even without her mother.

Today these two women stand vindicated against all misgivings and pressures. The journey has only begun but the eternal strength of solidarity between the two will surely pave the way for a brighter and happier future.