In the lively city of Hyderabad, Vrindha is a passionate IAS officer determined to make a difference. She juggles her demanding job with the expectations of her traditional family. Krishna is a dedicated lawyer who fights for justice and hopes to c...
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After settling in with their snacks, the doorbell rang again. Vrindha glanced at Krishna, who just told about the client. She opened the door to find a woman's rights leader, Anjali, standing alongside the domestic violence victim.
Anjali : Vrindha madam !
Vrindha : Namasthey Anjali ma'am !
Anjali : Krishna sir ?
Vrindha : I'm his wife. Please come in.
Anjali is surprised to know that Vrindha is Krishna's wife. She know Vrindha from last 2 years.
Anjali : Thank you for having us.
Anjali said warmly and her presence is exuding a sense of calm authority.
Anjali : We're here to support her.
Vrindha led them to the living room, where they all sat down. The victim, whose name was Roopa, looked nervous but determined.
Vrindha : Thank you for coming, Roopa.
Vrindha said gently.
Vrindha : You're in a safe space here. You can trust us. Please share your story with me.
Taking a deep breath, Roopa began to share her story.
Roopa : I grew up in a small village where traditional values are deeply rooted. I got married at a young age thinking it was what I was supposed to do. That is what my parents taught me. At first, everything seemed fine. He was charming, and my family was happy. But shortly after the wedding, the reality changed.
As Roopa recounted her journey, her voice trembled with emotion.
Roopa : It started with emotional manipulation. He would make little comments, like how I wasn't good enough or how I should dress differently. I began to doubt myself, thinking that maybe I really wasn't doing things right. But then it escalated.
She paused, her eyes misty as painful memories flooded back.
Roopa : The first time he hit me, I was in shock. I never thought he could hurt me. It was just a slap, but it left a mark on my soul. I convinced myself it was a mistake, that it wouldn't happen again. But it did.
Tears welled in her eyes as she continued,
Roopa : The verbal abuse was constant. He would call me names, tell me I was worthless. And then the physical abuse started to escalate. There were days when he would pin me down and hit me. I learned to hide the bruises, to wear long sleeves even in the heat, so no one would ask questions. He even raped me many times.
Vrindha listened intently and her heart is aching for Roopa.
Vrindha : You're not alone in this. It's not your fault.
she reassured her.
Roopa nodded and her voice is shaking.
Roopa : I finally decided enough was enough when he hurt me badly in front of my children. I couldn't let them grow up thinking this was normal. The last time, he threw me against the wall. I remember feeling so helpless, so trapped.
After sharing her story, Roopa hesitated and her gaze is dropping.
Roopa : I... I want to show you something, but can we speak privately ?
Vrindha's concern deepened, and she nodded.
Vrindha : Of course. Let's step into the other room.
Once they were alone, Roopa took a deep breath, her hands shaking as she lifted the sleeve of her kurta. The sight of bruises and scars made Vrindha's heart sink.
Vrindha : Roopa, I'm so sorry you went through this.
She said softly, feeling anger and sadness well up inside her.
Vrindha : You're so brave for speaking out.
Roopa looked down, her voice barely a whisper.
Roopa : I thought I could hide it, but it's hard to keep it inside. I thought if I just tried harder, things would get better.
Vrindha : Never feel like you have to hide.
Vrindha said firmly.
Vrindha : We're here to support you, and you deserve to heal. Krishna will definitely bring justice for you.
As they returned to the living room, Vrindha felt a surge of determination. She knew that together, they would help Roopa find the strength to reclaim her life.
As Vrindha and Roopa returned to the living room, Krishna came into the living room from his home office and instinctively sensed the weight of the atmosphere. The moment Roopa sat down, he could see the lingering sadness and pain etched on her face. He felt a tightening in his chest, a mix of concern and a deep-rooted anger that surged within him.
Krishna : What happened ?
Krishna asked and his voice is steady but laced with an underlying tension.
Roopa hesitated but then spoke softly,
Roopa : I shared my story with Vrindha ma'am. I... I wanted you to know too. But .....
Krishna : It's ok if you......
Roopa : No sir ! I decided to speak out.
As she recounted her experiences, Krishna's blood began to boil. Each word she spoke, every detail of the abuse she had suffered, fueled a fire of rage inside him. He could hardly fathom the thought of someone treating another human being in such a horrific manner.
"How can men like that exist ?" he thought bitterly. "How can someone inflict so much pain and think it's acceptable ?"
He clenched his fists, struggling to contain the fury bubbling up within him. The idea of Roopa being hurt, of her living in fear, was unbearable. He glanced at her, noticing the way she averted her eyes, as if ashamed of the scars she bore. He don't even know her till yesterday. But today he is feeling the same amount of protectiveness on her in the way how he feels for krithi.
Krishna : No one should have to endure what you've been through.
He said and his voice is now fierce but gentle.
Krishna : You deserve to live without fear. The one who did mistake should experience the fear. I'll make that happen.
Roopa nodded and her eyes are glistening with tears.
Roopa : I didn't think I could find the strength to speak out. I thought it was easier to stay silent.
Krishna's heart ached for her, but his anger remained.
Krishna : It's not easier, Roopa. It's just a cycle of pain that continues. We need to break that cycle.
Vrindha placed a comforting hand on Roopa's shoulder, reinforcing the support they both felt.
Vrindha : You're doing the right thing by speaking out. Together, we can help you find the justice you deserve.
As they shared this moment of solidarity, Krishna couldn't shake the feeling of anger that coursed through him. He vowed silently to do everything in his power to help Roopa and to hold her abuser accountable. He felt a sense of responsibility not just as a lawyer but as a man who refused to accept such behaviour in his community.
Krishna : We'll stand by you, Roopa.
Krishna declared with determination shining in his eyes.
Krishna : You're not alone anymore. We'll fight this together. You have this brother !
...............
How's the chapter ?
One must break the cycle of pain that is prevailing in typical households. People must understand that domestic violence is not normal. But when both husband and wife have liberty of slapping each other. Then it is acceptable. But escalated behaviour of neither of them is unacceptable.
