My parents’ marriage was arranged within the family, but it was built on lies and deception. My mother came from a well-off family in Pune, known for their humble and grounded nature, while my father belonged to a middle-class family in Bombay that thrived on showmanship. Despite their financial struggles, my father’s family maintained a façade of grandeur, relying heavily on loans to sustain their image.

A Deceptive Beginning

When my grandfather(Mom's dad) agreed to the proposal, he trusted the family’s claims. My father’s brother-in-law lied, saying my dad was the only son with four sisters and would inherit property. Trusting this, my grandfather(My mom's dad) didn’t even check horoscopes. The truth was different. My dad had an unstable job, no property, and dreams of becoming a football player. He never wanted to marry because he wasn’t settled, but his parents pushed for it, thinking, “The boy is handsome and has a house in Bombay. What more do we need?”

The Insult Before the Wedding

On the wedding day, just before the rituals, my father’s family humiliated my grandmother(Mom's mom) in front of everyone. My mother saw it all but stayed silent. My grandfather(Mom's dad) was unaware; otherwise, he would’ve called off the wedding. But fearing societal judgment, my grandmother chose silence over her daughter’s happiness.

The Beginning of Torture

Initially, my mother shared a cordial bond with her in-laws. But everything changed when my dad’s youngest sister, after her divorce, moved back home. That’s when the harassment began. They blamed my father’s unstable job on my mother, saying, “Your son was born, and his job vanished!” My mother was treated like a maid, made to care for her sisters-in-law’s children, and subjected to endless mental torture.

Was this marriage or slavery?

Fighting for Survival

After my brother was born, my mother wanted to leave my father. But her mother told her, “This is life. Adjust and move on.” Left with no choice, my mother stayed and endured. She started doing small jobs to earn money. Four years later, I was born. During her pregnancy, my in-laws made her life miserable. They denied her proper food and regular check-ups. After I was born, things only got worse.

My Foot Deformity

When I was a baby, my mum-in-law’s negligence caused me severe illness. They painted the house with toxic fumes while I was just a year old. I developed a fever, was hospitalized, and was later diagnosed with a foot deformity. My feet turned outward, making it impossible for me to walk.

Doctors told my mother I needed proper nutrition to recover—milk, vegetables, and fruit juice daily. When my mother told this to my mother-in-law, my aunt sarcastically said, “Yes, feed her all that. She’ll get fat on top while her legs stay thin, like in Kuwara Baap.”

Those cruel words hurt my mother, but they didn’t break her. Despite financial struggles and lack of support, she worked tirelessly to get me treated. For six years, she massaged my feet daily, took me to doctors, and followed Ayurvedic treatments. Because of her, I can walk today.

But my mom-in-law continued their cruelty. My aunt once removed my special sandals, and when my father confronted her, my grandfather threw us out of the house.

Life in a Chawl

We moved into a tiny 10x10 room in a chawl. It was a nightmare. Though my mother kept our home spotless, it was next to a filthy public toilet. The stench was unbearable, and the unhygienic conditions severely affected my health. I constantly fell sick, battling one disease after another.

Life was an endless struggle for my mother. She managed the household, worked as a tutor to earn money, and cared for me whenever I was ill. She gave up her comforts to ensure we survived. Looking back, I realize how much I owe to her sacrifices.

Family Betrayal

Despite throwing us out, my father’s family continued their betrayal. When the family property was divided, they gave my father just ₹4 lakhs, while the rest went to my aunt. Today, that property is worth crores. Even after all this, they invited us to family functions. But when it came to my wedding, they didn’t even show up.

Lessons Learned

My mother’s resilience is my greatest inspiration. She turned her pain into strength and gave us a better life. I’ve learned that marrying within the family or choosing someone you love doesn’t guarantee happiness. What truly matters is whether your partner is understanding, loyal, and trustworthy. Without these qualities, no marriage can succeed.

As I look back, one truth stands tall:

“The world is filled with people who will try to break you, but it is your strength that shatters their cruelty into irrelevance.”

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