Calling myself as a “star” sounds arrogant, unrealistic and mean. The first thing that comes to your mind is this is a self-proclamation (sometimes very disgusting) or I am having a superiority complex. Still, I will present myself as a “star”. Calling myself a star doesn’t at all mean that I am a celebrity or I have done something worthy. It's not that case. I am a simple woman, who has done her masters, married and a mother of a 9-year-old boy. I am sure you haven’t found something special in me or rather you will never find something special in such a woman (pun intended). Just think what is making me write this story and calling myself a star.

To understand my exaggeration, you need to come in my shoes. Hopefully, you will, but if not, still I will plead that please read my simple story of a very common woman who is nothing but still calls herself a “Star”.

I was very fond of my grandfather. Usually, children are much involved in listening fantasy stories of Aladdin or Alibaba but my grandfather has something different to tell. I still remember that he told me how “he” had decided to come to a city for his studies from his very remote village. He compelled us to acquire good education from reputed schools. He encouraged women's education and always taught us why educating a woman is necessary. He told me about the family we belong to, so what should be our conduct so that my young mind could grab this and in the near future I could easily be prepared for the legacy we belong to. The greatest legacy one can pass to bis children is not the money, but the character and the faith.

As we were growing up, we were sometimes scrutinized about what to speak and what not to. Sometimes I didn’t like the “after me” kind of attitude always! but I was never forgiven. I was a bit rebellious and notorious in comparison to my brother and sister. So I was always a “set target” (in my words) for my parents.to make me realize, I have been given more responsibilities like helping my younger brother in studies, doing small work for my sister, sharing my things with younger ones. At first, I was not ok with this but after some time to get the attention of my parents and to improve my image I started obeying my parents’ command. If we are being humble to obey, it's for sure you may be giving orders someday.

My parents were socially very active. I remember that relatives, friends do come to our home. We have always been called to meet and wish them whenever someone visits our house. Sometimes we have been taken to visit our relative's home on the occasion of marriages, festivals, death, etc. In this way, we have been introduced to socialize with people around us, understanding their grief, celebrating others' happiness, and moreover, we have been prepared how to live.

The next lesson was waiting for me. I have been told that I am old enough to choose my field of studies. I have taken down my decision and have to prove that I made the right choice. The first decision I took for my life was choosing which stream I will take in my studies. It is you and you are only responsible for decisions and your choices. I took mine and coped with it.

Then started the next phase of my life, my arranged marriage (no regrets). We belonged to two different worlds. Of course, we were humans, but something or the other was not getting right for me. I was a bit disappointed with my first relationship. I realize that nobody is going to hold my hand, all my training is over. It is the time to perform with my abilities and make everyone proud that yes, I can deal with every situation. It took some years but with my character, understanding, decision-making abilities which I imbibed from my childhood teaching of my elders made me pass through distinctions.

I was evolving as a person. Day by day I was becoming a more confident, more grounded person. People started liking me. My relationship started mending and I felt more appreciative towards myself. Whatever situation comes my way, I was able to react in the most legitimate way. I don’t react to the urge of my serotonin level. I analyse my situation, and my teaching which was imparted by my elders always comes and rescues my reaction. I am able to look at my brighter side more when I have started the lesson of my legacy to my nine-year-old child. I am happy, contended and it is more appropriate to say that I am a star, let me shine!

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