For twelve long years, her husband battled multiple rare diseases. The family lived in hospitals, waiting outside operation theatres, and flying across continents in search of medical treatment. Some conditions were resolved, but new ones kept emerging. His heart grew weaker, and now he was terminal.
Instead of compassion, she faced cruel remarks. One relative sneered:
“She is no Savitri.”
(Savitri, in Indian mythology, is the woman who saved her husband from Yamaraj—the God of Death.)
In this patriarchal family, the suffering made women transform into Goddess Durga after decades of marriage. Yet the men clung to Stone Age ideals, still demanding a Savitri.
The next barb cut deeper:
“If she cannot care for her husband, who can trust her?”
Her own husband’s words echoed in her memory: “Get out of this house, as my parents’ wishes will be fulfilled here.”
This, despite her financial independence.
But times have changed. Women have awakened. They are no longer silent sufferers bound by outdated moulds.
It is the men who must now wake up—shake off their stupor, smash the patriarchal expectations, and learn to live with evolved women.
Creative Experiments and More 
Loved your poem of empowerment.
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Thank you, Diana!
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You’re welcome ❤
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Reena, you have articulated this very well. This is also true. My close cousin is really struggling with this. Even mentioning it causes me pain.
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Yes. Write it to alleviate the pain.
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Real pain is I’m not able to help her. 😦
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We can only voice our opposition or concerns.
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An excellent story, Reena.
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Thank you so much!
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Very nice.
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Thank you!
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A very moving story. Men and in laws still can be narrow minded and cruel. Thanks for joining in.
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Thank you, Sadje!
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You’re most welcome
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