A lot has been written and talked about the emancipation of women & the independence they enjoy in our country.Women power is being applauded.But in the rural parts of the country, women are still suppressed and harassed.The experiences of these faceless and voiceless women, who lead restricted lives reach us via the media & press. Much of what happens in cities is unknown.
But one incident I came across was indeed shocking. One of my husband's subordinate officers, Mr.Sinha was a well educated,decent gentleman. He was a workaholic and had an impressive career record.Though conservative Biharis, his family was modern in their life style. They would often visit us as they lived close by. They presented a picture of a perfect family.
One late evening, my husband had just got back home from office, when the door bell rang.I was amazed to see a distressed Mrs.Sinha, with a tear stained face at the door. Sensing trouble I invited her in.She hesitated and then on entering,sat down and started weeping. Narrating something which was incomprehensible,she repeatedly said that her husband was out to kill her that day.
Shocked at this revelation,we could not believe all that she confided in us. He was a sadist and would harass her for even trivial issues.She had been enduring his shameful behaviour for the last 15 years but today, when he resorted to beat her and lock her up,she could bear no more. She was completely powerless to protect her two teenage daughters, though he meant them no harm.
She somehow managed to elude him and a kind rickshaw puller escorted her to our place.She sought my husband's help and requested him to accompany her to her house, to speak to her husband and warn him of dire consequences to his career.Her optimism led her to believe that he would listen to my husband since he respected him a lot.She was visibly embarrassed but this was her last straw. We were stunned and perplexed, since we always assumed he was an even tempered, easy going, harmless sort of person.
It was a difficult decision to intrude upon their private issue, but then we had to help her .She was shattered and all alone.Leaving her behind, my husband went to meet Mr Sinha, taking along another common friend with him.Things were sorted out at length, and he profusely apologised. Embarrassed and guilty, he submitted a written note of apology too.
Words unspoken and with a heavy heart Mrs.Sinha went home and subsequently all seemed well.
A few months later, I met the couple at a function.Mr.Sinha's friendliness and demure attitude drew attention and he was in his best behaviour too.I smiled to myself- only we knew the other side of his personality. It was inconceivable that this man was in reality a Jekyll & Hyde !
But one incident I came across was indeed shocking. One of my husband's subordinate officers, Mr.Sinha was a well educated,decent gentleman. He was a workaholic and had an impressive career record.Though conservative Biharis, his family was modern in their life style. They would often visit us as they lived close by. They presented a picture of a perfect family.
One late evening, my husband had just got back home from office, when the door bell rang.I was amazed to see a distressed Mrs.Sinha, with a tear stained face at the door. Sensing trouble I invited her in.She hesitated and then on entering,sat down and started weeping. Narrating something which was incomprehensible,she repeatedly said that her husband was out to kill her that day.
Shocked at this revelation,we could not believe all that she confided in us. He was a sadist and would harass her for even trivial issues.She had been enduring his shameful behaviour for the last 15 years but today, when he resorted to beat her and lock her up,she could bear no more. She was completely powerless to protect her two teenage daughters, though he meant them no harm.
She somehow managed to elude him and a kind rickshaw puller escorted her to our place.She sought my husband's help and requested him to accompany her to her house, to speak to her husband and warn him of dire consequences to his career.Her optimism led her to believe that he would listen to my husband since he respected him a lot.She was visibly embarrassed but this was her last straw. We were stunned and perplexed, since we always assumed he was an even tempered, easy going, harmless sort of person.
It was a difficult decision to intrude upon their private issue, but then we had to help her .She was shattered and all alone.Leaving her behind, my husband went to meet Mr Sinha, taking along another common friend with him.Things were sorted out at length, and he profusely apologised. Embarrassed and guilty, he submitted a written note of apology too.
Words unspoken and with a heavy heart Mrs.Sinha went home and subsequently all seemed well.
A few months later, I met the couple at a function.Mr.Sinha's friendliness and demure attitude drew attention and he was in his best behaviour too.I smiled to myself- only we knew the other side of his personality. It was inconceivable that this man was in reality a Jekyll & Hyde !
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