Silence in a relationship can signify either deep comfort and security or deep dysfunction, acting as either a peaceful pause or a sign of emotional withdrawal.
Miss Meetu was a lively, kind-hearted, smart, and intelligent girl. Her younger brother Ramu was good but not interested in studies; however, he was talented in sports and a good athlete.
Mala called out, “Meetu, where are you? Come out of your studies and help me set up the table for dinner.”
Meetu saw Ramu playing outside, and he could have helped Amma. But silence was her jewellery, so she came to help her Amma as always. Her grandmother used to admonish her, “The girls have to learn and do all the work at home. Education is secondary. What and how will it help you? That is a man’s work—to work outside and look after the finances.”
Meetu was not allowed to speak much, as girls should keep their mouth shut and talk only when asked to.
Meetu grew up in such an atmosphere but studied silently at night. She was a good student, and all her teachers loved her and wished she would shine in life.
She stood first in the district. She wanted to pursue her studies, but her Amma did not want her to study and started to look for a suitable groom.
She told her husband, “No need for Meetu to pursue her studies. Let us marry her, and if they allow her to study, she can continue. We have to marry our daughter at the right time according to our custom.”
Meetu’s Appa was supportive and said, “No, she will complete her graduation, and we will get her married.”
Some luck was in her favour—her Appa understood the importance of educating girls.
Meetu thanked her Appa, “I am so happy, Appa, and I will prove myself as your best girl.”
She got admission to the best college in Bombay, graduated in English Literature, completed her post-graduation, and soon got a job in a reputable college. Life was moving smoothly, and she enjoyed her work. The students liked her teaching.
Her mother started pestering her again, “Now that you have fulfilled your wishes, it is time to get married and move on.”
Meetu could not oppose her now. The search was on for a suitable groom. A relative told her Amma, “There is a boy who is a distant relative. Should I talk to them about Meetu?”
Amma was happy, and the word was spread about the boy, Ramesh, who was Amma’s third cousin’s sister’s son.
The marriage was fixed. Ramesh had promised to allow her to continue her work after marriage. Everyone was happy, and she went to her in-laws’ house.
After a week, she started going to college. She would get up early, greet the elders, cook food, and then go to college. When she returned, she inquired about everyone.
Slowly, her mother-in-law started to pressure her to start a family. Meetu was not ready, which created a rift.
But Meetu had been taught from childhood to speak up for herself. She silently bore it all. Imagine a highly educated woman facing such treatment—what about uneducated women?
After three years, her husband also expressed discontent. She told him, “We are still young and can wait another year to start a family.” He replied, “It would be too late, and how will we manage to bring up children?”
Meetu visited her parents’ house. They sensed something was troubling her and wanted to know the reason. But, as usual, Meetu kept quiet.
After persistent questioning, she started to cry for the first time and confessed, “Amma, Appa, I cannot continue with this marriage. I cannot tolerate it anymore.”
The parents and her in-laws discussed and decided on a mutual divorce. It was a tough decision, but they could not see her suffering silently.
Meetu regained herself and continued her career as a college professor. She pursued her PhD and received a scholarship to study in New Zealand. She settled there slowly, completed her Doctorate, and became known as Dr. Meetu. Her parents attended her doctoral award ceremony—a proud moment.
Ramu, on the other hand, struggled with low self-esteem as he grew up and eventually settled in Australia for work.
Life moved on. Meetu worked at a reputed college in New Zealand. She became a popular teacher and editor. Later, she received an offer to teach at a college in Germany.
She had been a good singer in her younger years, though no one recognized her talent in Germany. Over time, she formed a bond with her sister-in-law, Rani, who shared her love for music. They exchanged songs via WhatsApp, enjoying a new way to interact.
When she finally spoke up, her life changed for the better.
Each woman should speak up against anything she does not approve of.
Image Courtesy:https://www.pexels.com/@olly/
If you connected with Meetu’s story, leave your thoughts in the comments below—I would love to hear how her journey inspired you!
– Poornima Sivaraman
About The Writer:
Poornima Sivaraman is a vibrant 75-year-young retired teacher with a lifelong passion for creativity and connecting with people of all ages. A long-time blogger and now the proud author of “My Collection of Stories for Children”, she launched the book on her 75th birthday in June 2025. The collection of 15 moral-value stories has received warm appreciation and positive reviews on Amazon.
Poornima writes for multiple platforms, contributes to anthologies, and enjoys sharing her unique perspectives with readers. Beyond writing, she sings on Star Maker, loves cooking, and believes in living a simple, meaningful life. As a storyteller and Awareness Ambassador with the Spectrum Group, she continues to inspire others through kindness, positivity, and her enduring creative spirit.
