Feeds

Dreams of a happy life remained just that Sufferings and taunts enough I’ve had My barren womb an excuse My parents, a money-bank to squeeze To please society, and to conform I’ve tolerated abuses of all forms To suffer and endure, or put an end to abuse I know what I've to choose With a prayer, I step across the threshold It’s time to break the shackles of this household A sea of sorrow threatens to engulf And swallow me in all its might But it’s time to be brave, and set right the wrongs Forget the past, and re-write my life’s songs   I choose myself, for now it’s my time  

Smile - is it a word or an emotion? Five syllables, a facial expression, and yet underneath hide countless secrets. The smile which starts from the lips and ends at the eyes reflects a happy heart. Its butterfly effect is magical, spreading cheer all around. Then there’s the deceptive smile, a weapon to guard our fears. And yet, there’s also the smile which is a mask, a facade for the world. The one put up to hide our pain from prying eyes. I wish for the day when all can experience the genuine happiness a smile brings, sans all masks.

‘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.