The Unseen Dancer: Anupamaa's Story

Return to Education

It started as a quiet thought—small, almost hesitant.

Anupamaa had spent weeks rediscovering herself through dance, but something still felt unfinished. There was a part of her life she had left behind long ago, a dream she had sacrificed at the altar of marriage and motherhood.

Education.

She remembered how, as a young girl, she had loved learning. How books had been her window to the world. How she had dreamed of getting a degree, maybe even becoming a teacher.

But dreams didn't survive in a world where a woman's worth was measured by how well she could serve her husband's family.

Vanraj had never said it outright, but his mocking smiles, his dismissive words—"What will you do with a degree, Anupamaa? You can't even handle basic accounts properly."—had been enough to convince her that education was no longer an option.

But now, for the first time in years, she had a choice.

And she chose herself.

That evening, Anupamaa sat in her small apartment, researching online courses. At first, doubt gnawed at her.

Will I even understand anything? It's been years...

What if I fail? What if I embarrass myself?

But then another thought arose, louder and clearer—What if I succeed?

The thought filled her with a warmth she hadn't felt in years. She had already left behind a toxic marriage, faced society's judgment, and rebuilt her identity. Why should education be any different?

Determined, she found an online course in Business Administration. It was perfect—flexible, practical, and something that would help her manage finances better, not just for herself, but also for Nrityanjali Dance Academy.

Taking a deep breath, she filled out the application form. With each keystroke, she felt as though she was rewriting her past.

Finally, she hit submit.

It was official. She was a student again.

And this time, no one could stop her.

The first person she told was Samar.

She found him sitting in her apartment, sketching out new dance choreography.

"Mummy, you have that look," he said, without even glancing up.

"What look?" she asked, amused.

"The I'm-going-to-do-something-amazing-and-everyone-will-freak-out look."

She laughed, then took a deep breath. "I've enrolled in a business course."

Samar froze. Then he turned to her with wide eyes. "MUMMY! Are you serious? That's amazing!"

She nodded, feeling a rush of happiness at his excitement.

Samar jumped up and hugged her tightly. "I knew you were a superhero. But now you're officially a superhero with a degree-in-progress."

His support made her feel invincible.

Bapuji & Baa

The next day, she visited the Shah house. As she walked in, Bapuji immediately noticed the change in her.

"You are glowing, beta," he said, smiling warmly. "What's the good news?"

Anupamaa folded her hands and said, "Bapuji, I have decided to complete my education. I have enrolled in an online business course."