Dare to Walk the Path Alone

Oh God! This is going to take another hour to reach home. I hope Mrunal doesn’t get into one of his fits of anger again. Shruthi was praying that by some miracle, her cab would reach home sooner than the expected arrival time shown by Google maps.

“Koi shortcut nahi hai kya bhaiyya, jaldi jaana tha mujhe,” she mumbled expecting the driver to fly by the traffic-laden roads and reach home within minutes.

“Nahi madam, der hoga, koi accident hua lagta hai. Ab gaadi clear karne me waqt to lagega hi.”

Shruthi’s mobile beeped the arrival of a WhatsApp message.

With shivering hands, she picked the mobile assuming it to be a message from Mrunal, her husband.

Wr R U? it read.

Stuck in traffic. wl b dlayd, she typed and turned the silent mode on. She was in no mood to argue. Plugging her earphones and choosing her favorite playlist she leaned back and closed her eyes.

Life had changed so much in these ten years. The once loving and caring Mrunal is now irritated and always on the verge of a fight. She had decided a thousand times to seek divorce and move on with her life, but every time she decided so, Mrunal would go from being rude to very polite and caring.

Shruthi was one who never took decisions in a hurry. It made sense that she gives him every chance to rebuild the relationship. But every time she gives him a chance, he would become his usual indifferent person.

What pained Shruthi was not the indifference but the feeling of being taken for granted. She wanted him to respect her choices, not make fun of her. Though they shared similar interests, they never had time to indulge in them together. She had decided that this time she would walk the path alone. It is time to restart her life and rebuild it. It is never too late.

As she entered the house, she saw Mrunal waiting for her in the living room. He smiled and asked her, “Are you tired? I have made dinner. Was waiting for you.”

Shruthi was stunned again. How come he has changed all of a sudden, even before she put forth her decision of seeking separation from him. Did he see it coming? Was she so obvious in her actions?

She did not reciprocate the smile, she had seen this changed behavior so many times, she was now used to it. This time, my resolve is very strong, won’t let it break.

After dinner, he tried to lighten the mood and was cracking jokes or trying to help Shruthi. She simply did not respond to any of his advances. She was dead calm this time, no fluttery emotions or indecisiveness. She had made her decision and was about to act accordingly. No need to announce it or discuss it. All the time for discussion is done. She thought.

Finally, at night, Mrunal’s repose broke and he started shouting and accusing Shruthi.

“Why can’t you see I am trying to help you. Why are you ignoring me like this? I have seen what are your preferences now. You don’t respect me anymore.”

Shruthi controlled her reactions to his accusations, she felt an urge to tell him, you just stole the words from my mouth. I have been wanting to tell you this for ages.

She simply wrapped her work and went to bed early.

Her thoughts which were a whirl of emotions had now stabilized. She had to stand by her decision. She wanted to pen her thoughts which gave her a liberating feeling.

The path ahead is lonely for sure

Bleak but not dark as now, and no more of uncertainty to endure.

I was a wreck and an emotional fool,

To put up with insult and all the ridicule.

Hoping you would change and begin to appreciate,

The sacrifices I made and put up with all the berate.

I am the strength that drives myself,

I seek respect which I truly deserve to engulf in.

I am a woman strong and empowered,

I embark on the path of my freedom, my confidence towered.

Enlightened as ever a soul can be,

I am a woman as strong as can be.