My daughter has grown up in the city. I think she has missed out on a few things.
Our home in the village, during childhood, was full of open spaces.
We played freely in the fields. I attended a government school and if I studied - or not - it was entirely up to me.
We were 5 sisters - no brothers.
Means were tight but positivity was abundant. My mother would say, 'Humans and difficulties go hand in hand. Face yours!'
My marriage got fixed when I was in 10th.
My teacher spoke to my father that I was good in studies and deserved to study further.
Up to now my father was not even aware of this. Dutiful daughter me - had kept quiet too.
He listened to Sir and cancelled the marriage. I got to continue my studies.
I continued to score well in exams. I got admission into the local engineering college without any paid coaching. Studies continued.
By the time I finished engineering, 3 of my sisters were married. Financially my parents were wiped almost clean by now. They had devoted themselves to helping us sisters settle.
In 2005, I started as a lecturer in my alma-mater at a salary of 7K.
I got married to Nagaraj. This opened doors of a fortune to me. A fortune more precious than money and wealth.
He did not marry just me. He married my family. He became the son, my father did not have up to now.
His parents are role models too. When my father was unwell, Nagaraj's father was the one who would take my dad to the hospital.
We did not want my father to lose the last of his paddy fields, so we took care of my younger sister's marriage.
Their support has continued steadfast over the years. Fortunate me!
We moved to Bangalore for better prospects and both of us are in the IT field.
Both of us work in HPE today, and have steadily grown in our profession.
Nandini - our daughter - is 11 now. She inherits her giving nature from her father.
Me? I take risks!
I consciously try to seek out new challenges.
Two years ago, I took up this complex new project. But not before, I confided this to them both in a family meeting. They gave their approval.
Yes! we do this too.
Today, they both do their stretch to support me thus. For now, he cooks. He takes care of Nandini.
To top it up, only a Nagaraj would insist that I spend an hour in the Gym every day to keep myself fit and immune from my work stresses.
He even nudges me, if I miss :)
Thanks to him, my success can never be mine alone!