"I got married in 2017 and I was happy. My Dad was not keeping well and hence, he wanted me to get married. For his sake, I said yes, thinking that maybe it's the time to get settled, and life would be beautiful, as we Indian women are always told that life will be amazing after marriage. I quit my job and shifted away from home with the hope that better days lie ahead.
But, life had something else to offer. I was abused because of my looks and my outlook towards life. My in-laws also charged me because according to them. my father didn't give enough gold to the groom. Deciding to put an end to this treatment, I left my in-laws and my husband. I left a toxic relationship. My husband never hit me, but neither did he speak up for me.
Hearing about my decision, I was asked to shut up and simply adjust. But, it's my life and I was the one suffering. So, my conscience doesn't let me consider their viewpoint.
Six months after divorce, I was not in a good head space, but thanks to my parents, who despite all criticism stood with me and helped me recover. I looked for a new job and started working again.
I got divorced in 2019 and I see myself evolving everyday. I started working out and that helped to feel a lot better. I wrote my story on various platforms and people with similar stories contacted with me and I comforted them.
In 2017, after my marriage, I had started my journey as an entrepreneur, and ‘Indian Weaves’ was born. In these 5 years, I have gained a lot of customers throughout the world, and recently I have sent my Sambalpuri fabrics to a Bollywood designer, who will be using them in a web-series, that is to be streamed on Amazon. I have also spoken in 'Women In Business' Seminar in Balasore.
Moving forward in life, I will be getting married again soon, and will be settling down in life with a wonderful person and a wonderful family. I speak about my experience because I don't want anyone to go through depression as I did. Depression left me hopeless and took all my joy away. Even if something is out of our control, the least we can do is be a good listener to someone! I am so glad that I gave my mental health attention and I'm also helping people out there. Let's normalize taking necessary steps for our mental health, shall we?" - Ritu Jhalani.
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