‘I cannot permit her to go with you. If she goes, who’ll cook and clean.’ Her mother-in-law was thundering, and her father was bearing it in silence, for Malati’s sake.

‘Her mother is critical. Please let Malati see her. One last time,’ he pleaded, tears flowing down his hollowed cheeks.

Malati turned towards her husband. He was nonchalant, as always. Years of traumatic memories floated in front of her eyes – the abuse, the ill-treatment.

She had put up with everything for the sake of her parents, but enough was enough! Saying nothing, she held her father’s hand and walked out.