by Nourin N.K

Last week, the much-awaited opportunity came into reality; that is to meet our Sarabhai. I was so excited that I couldn’t even eat my breakfast peacefully when she phoned to check whether I am available in my apartment or not. You would say I am exaggerating, but how can someone stop admiring this woman who is so concerned about my private life.

The first thing she asked was whether I have made up my mind to get married because she has already found a well-educated man for me. By this, I was forced to reveal to her the truth that I am a divorcee. I must say, she almost fainted hearing this news. I had to run to the kitchen to get her some water, and she drank the full glass in a single breath. This was why I concealed it from her this long,  I know that it would upset her caring heart. After all, I have heard her expounding about how important and necessary it is for a woman to hold on to her husband, no matter how much sacrifices and humiliation we had to go through. According to her, in the end, it is a married woman’s (one who is successful in maintaining her marital life) position that is more pious than any other female status.

After taking some time to get back from the shocking news, she enquired more about my late marital life. I didn’t want to upset her more, so I lied that it was my ex-husband who wanted the separation.

After having a long conversation about the same subject, I realised from Sarabhai that I should have understood my ex-husband the way she did. She pointed out that it was our childless life that paved the way to the disastrous end. It was then, I regretted not having met her before, I would have saved my marriage.

Before leaving, she asked me not to share the news of being a divorcee with anyone, because she knows that it is impossible to get a “non-virgin, divorcee” woman to have a second chance from Gyaan Nagar society.  And she didn’t even forget to remind me of the fact that how unsafe women are  WITHout men and it is better to get married sooner than later. Plus, she promised me that next time she’ll bring a wealthy gentleman to make my match. Oh, how desperate she is to see me happily married.

That day, I was so overwhelmed with her love that I could hardly do any work.

Her profound words kept ringing in my head like a school bell. So to preserve them, I decided to write it down. I didn’t want the young generation out there to grow up without getting at least a glimpse of her experienced knowledge. It had to be understood in one way or the other, so that it’ll be safe to live in this toxic world.

About the Author:

Nourin N K from Kerala, graduate in English language and literature, author of the book “Untying My Wings” (https://notionpress.com/read/untying-my-wings). Currently pursuing MA in English language and literature under Calicut University from Madappally Arts and Science college. In quest of discovering the untold versions of human story with nature. 

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