A Life Story
Our Mindset Episode 17 I told my husband, “This Sunday, we are not going to the village. We need to finish our household chores—get the kids’ hair cut, chop wood for the week, and only go to the market at five in the evening. If we keep working for Mami even on our day off, … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 16 The corn was sold. After that, for two days, Mami didn’t come to the fields. The entire fallow land was being plowed. Only Mangu came morning and evening to collect milk. I thought maybe she wasn’t coming because there was no work left. On the third day, Mami arrived in her … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 15 That morning, Aunt’s face fell when she saw the goat at the doorstep. She had been chatting with Grandmother, and as they talked, Grandmother casually remarked, “Dada will work in the fields, and Sunanda will take care of the goats and chickens.” I hadn’t expected Aunt to take it so seriously. … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 14 Grandmother arrived in Mangu’s cart, carrying bags from the market. My husband was walking behind, leading a pregnant goat. He couldn’t bring her in the cart, so he had to walk all the way. After settling in, she had tea and then asked, “Sunanda, where do you go to relieve yourself?” … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 13 I was sitting on the porch, sorting wheat. Every time a vehicle passed by, I instinctively looked toward the road. That’s when I saw a woman walking toward me. She looked just like me—same height, fair complexion. But unlike me, she was adorned with jewelry. She appeared to be around thirty, … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 12 I wanted to cook, but that didn’t mean I was about to make corn. In the evening, my father called, “Your grandmother is coming tomorrow—with a goat.” I felt both joy and stress. The goat was the joyful part; my grandmother, the stressful part. She followed a strict diet—no meat, no … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 11 I started wondering—should I wait another hour, then fetch water, then cook? When would I even get to eat? I was already hungry. When my stomach is empty, I get irritated. I get angry. A man stopped his vehicle and said, “Dada, your kids are standing on the road, calling out … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 10 I had no idea the electricity schedule had changed in the morning. The water I had stored yesterday ran out by the time I made tea. There was no water left for cooking or drinking. When I asked my husband, he said, “The power was out since 4 PM yesterday. It’ll … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 9 I came home from the fields, tears streaming down my face. The children were playing on the porch. I wiped my eyes as I looked at them. My true weakness—my two children. They were my world. I endured my husband’s mistakes, injustices, cruelty, and all the suffering just for my children. … Read more
Our Mindset Episode 8 What is the worst thing that can happen to a woman? It’s when another man insults her in public while her husband stands by and watches in silence. In that moment, it doesn’t matter that she has a husband—because he is of no use to her. I used to call him … Read more