This morning too, I woke up groggy, my head throbbing on account of sleep deprivation. In the last few days I had been undergoing a lot of emotional turmoil, my relationships had left me disappointed and deeply depressed. I felt alone and defeated. So this morning, as my part-time help Dimple and I sat sipping tea, I threw something more of a statement than a question into the air between us, “Dimple, are we women born only to suffer?”
So far our relationship had only been at a functional level, comprising of me giving her tasks and her completing them. I knew that she also worked in a school as a worker and to make ends meet did extra work as part-time help, cleaning houses. I had no idea where she came from or what kind of personal life or family she had.
But that day, we both came together not as an employer and employee but as two women. I asked her about her family and was both astonished and inspired by what I learned from her.
A Childhood Stolen away
Life throws curveballs, some harder than others. Dimple, our part-time help, has faced a barrage of challenges that would break most. Yet, she stands tall, an ode to the indomitable human spirit. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of immense hardship, the will to provide for loved ones and finding your inner strength can pave the path to a brighter future.
Dimple’s journey began under the harsh realities of a small village in Punjab. Born in a poor family, Dimple had three more sisters.She was never sent to school because it was believed, going to school puts the girl at risk of scandal. Moreover allegedly educated girls then got ideas in their head and they did not easily accept a life of domesticity.
First act of Defiance
Married at a tender age of 15, Dimple was expected to conform to the societal norm of childbearing. But Dimple defied the odds. After three daughters, she made a bold decision – a tubectomy – taking control of her own body and future. This act, though uncommon in her social circle, showcased her will to not succumb to being a victim.
Domestic Abuse and Money matters
However, her troubles weren’t over.Her husband was not in favour of sending their daughters to school, he did not feel it was necessary nor did he have any money. He was an alcoholic, who not only squandered their meager earnings but also resorted to physical abuse. Dimple recalls often going to bed badly bruised and hungry.This abuse, a harsh consequence of her defiance, forced her to make yet another life-altering decision: to leave everything behind and make a run for life with her daughters.
Migrating to the city
With a heart heavy with despair but a burning desire to protect her daughters, Dimple, along with her three young girls, embarked on a journey to Delhi, seeking refuge with her sister. The initial optimism of a fresh start was soon replaced by the harsh reality of unemployment. Dimple felt the burden of relying on her sister, questioning her decision to uproot her family and choosing a life of uncertainty to escape abuse.She confessed to having thoughts of suicide,when she went looking for work from morning to evening knocking at doors but to no avail.
But even during this dark time, Dimple refused to give in. She took on any menial work she could find, labouring as a daily wager , determined to build a life for her daughters. Slowly, her diligence paid off. She secured a small rented space and with the help of her kind employer, landed a job as a sanitary worker at a government school.Dimple called her aged parents to stay with her in the city , so that she could take care of them.She became the son they never had.
This was just the beginning. Fueled by unwavering dedication, Dimple ensured her daughters received a proper education. She tirelessly took on additional sewing work, her days filled with the hum of the sewing machine echoing her determination. With every stitch, she weaved a future brighter than her past.
Years of struggle culminated in a remarkable feat. Dimple managed to save enough to buy a piece of land back in her village. This wasn’t just land; it was a symbol of her resilience, a testament to overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds. On that land, she built a home – a haven built with her sweat, tears, and unwavering determination.
The final Goodbye
Fate, however, had another twist in store. Dimple’s estranged husband fell gravely ill. Despite the pain and past abuse, she displayed immense compassion, bringing him to the city for treatment. Sadly, his battle was lost, but not before he witnessed his daughters flourishing and sought forgiveness from his wife.
Dimple’s story does not end here,having seen unemployment and abuse from close quarters , she helped get her sister get work and become financially independent.Even today I see that she is ready to help and mentor women in need, never forgetting her own past.Because of Dimple’s focus on providing opportunities to her daughters, her eldest daughter is now going to the Delhi Government’s School of Excellence, that nurtures unprivileged but bright students and aspires to be a doctor.
A Beacon of Hope
Today, despite her petite frame, Dimple stands tall, as a beacon of hope for other women . She wears her struggles not as scars but as badges of honor but with humility. Her story is more than a tale of a domestic narrative; it’s a universal tale of overcoming adversity. Dimple’s courage extends beyond her own life. She actively helps others in need, providing them with employment opportunities and the strength to hold their heads high.
Tables were turned when Dimple by sharing her story , instilled hope and courage within me.If an ordinary woman , with no education and no financial support and no man behind her could reach a place where she is looked upon as strong , independent and successful woman , why can’t we?
Dimple is not just a woman , she is a symbol of what women can achieve if they stop fearing societal pressures and chalk out their own destiny.
This post is a part of *Her Journey Blog Hop* hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
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