Finally, she hugged me tightly and sobbed uncontrollably. I could feel her pain drenching my clothes. \u201cSo much baggage she\u2019s been carrying around\u201d, I wondered.
\nAfter a few minutes, she composed herself and began to speak— \u201cI was 10 years old when he first forced himself upon me. I tried to escape but he was huge and very strong. He crushed me\u2026.both physically and mentally\u201d. Another tear rolled down her eyes, which were fixed to the ground in shame.<\/p>\n
-\u2018Who was he?\u2019, I asked cautiously. P.S: After some heart to heart dialogues, she finally agreed to marry me, with a resolve that she would fight against this menace. For herself and everyone. I am so glad she did!!<\/p>\n Author :Dr. Nidhi Jhamb<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Finally, she hugged me tightly and sobbed uncontrollably. I could feel her pain drenching my clothes. \u201cSo much baggage she\u2019s been carrying around\u201d, I wondered. After a few minutes, she composed herself and began to speak— \u201cI was 10 years old when he first forced himself upon me. I tried to escape but he was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":309,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[69,68,66,70,67],"yoast_head":"\n
\n\u201cMy school principal. I was the representative for my class and that gave him the opportunity to call me to his office often- to discuss upcoming events etc. However, he used to abuse me instead.\u201d
\n\u201cDid you tell your parents about it?\u201d was my next obvious question.
\n\u201cI told my mother but she used to always shut me up. \u2018We will be humiliated in the society and you will never get married\u2019 were her repetitive words. Also she reasoned that the principal was a very influential person and will come out clean easily. Instead, he will ruin my future and career. My career was however, ruined as I had lost interest in studies or in anything related to school.\u201d
\nI waited patiently as she paused to gather herself again. \u201cOur silence encouraged him more and he continued to exploit me for a few months. My parents eventually, changed my school satisfied that a wise solution has been reached. But my fear of school didn\u2019t change. I stopped talking and making friends. People took me to be an introvert and left me alone which aggravated my pain\u201d.
\nShe began to shiver, recalling everything. I held her hands firmly, in support.
\n\u201cI somehow, limped through class 12 and completed graduation through distance learning. I was always confined to my room ashamed of facing the society. He had left deep festering wounds on my body and mind which could never heal\u201d.
\n\u201cAnd now, as I turn 20, my parents want to let go off their \u2018burden\u2019 and marry me off\u2026..to you. I can\u2019t cheat you. I am not ready to marry and will never be.\u201d For the first time, she looked me in the eye.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s okay. Don\u2019t marry me\u201d. I consoled her. \u201cBut don\u2019t torture yourself like this. Let go off the pain and face the world. Don\u2019t victimize yourself for life\u201d.
\nHidden and silent emotions are one\u2019s biggest enemy and all of the medical fraternity stands united on this stance. The sooner we deal with it, the better. So vent out all your anger, guilt, shame, fear or whatever is troubling you. Don\u2019t be cruel and abuse yourself further. Share your pain<\/strong>\u2014you don\u2019t need to take it to your grave.
\nDon\u2019t be afraid to seek help \u2013 from a friend, a counselor, a sibling, a professional or any trusted source, before the damage is beyond repair.<\/p>\n