This day was special in my life ever. I achieved more than I aspired to, in my life. It was quite impossible for many girls to accomplish the goals they kept for themselves. Though they were bright and hard working, still they achieve no progress in their life.

I am Roopa, who faced the similar fate, a few years back. I aspired to work for my nation, save the lives of the people of my country, and be an inspiration to many girls. The task which I set for myself, is impossible to even dream, for a girl like me who came from a rural background in India.

Parents in India are of course loving, caring, understanding like any other parents in the world, but something differentiates them from the rest. It is their overprotective nature which is a bulwark for the development of their daughter. But, no parent accepts it. They name it as protecting their daughter from the evils of the society.

Of course, I do agree with that there are evils in the society. But, is it only confined to India? If sexual harassment and Eve teasing are the most significant problems of women in India, aren't the women in other nations didn't have this issue? Of course, they do. Problems are there everywhere and for everyone. But the way this problem dealt with by other nations is different from the way we see.

Most of the parents in India, deal with this problem by getting the daughter married at an early age and by cutting off their dreams in the budding stage without leaving a chance to bloom. That is what happened to me. My parents crushed my dreams with their love and care for me. They got me married off to the person who loves and cares for me, but who was not ready to support my dream.

"Today, I invite Mrs. Roopa Preetam, who is an inspiration to every girl in India, onto the stage, to receive this award. Hats off to Roopa," the host invited me to receive the prestigious award "Bharath Ratna" from the hands of the honourable Prime Minister of India.

Raising my head high, with a smile dancing on my lips with pride for being a woman, I went onto the stage to receive the award. I remembered the past.

Roopa PoV:

“Hey Roopa! Wake up,” Nanda Kishore shouted, taking off the comforter from me.

“Nandu, let me sleep for some more time,” I said and covered myself with the blanket again.

“Roopa, today you are going to visit your parents. Wake up, sweetheart,” Nandu said again.

Listening the word parents, I opened my eyes immediately. Th

e memories of my life appeared in front of my eyes. I sat on the bed and closed my eyes with my palm. Nandu side hugged me, understanding my feelings.

“It’s okay, angel. You didn’t do anything wrong. Circumstances showed you act as wrong, but not your intent behind the act. Relax and get ready. I am with you,” Nandu said.

I smiled for his support. I got ready within one hour. When, I reached the dining hall, entire room filled with the aroma of paratha made with ghee. Sanjana finished preparing the breakfast.

“Good morning, Sanjana,” I said.

“Good morning, sweetie. Come on, have your breakfast quickly. We will drop you at the bus station,” Sanjana said.

We completed the breakfast and reached the bus stop.

“Take care, Roopa. Let us know if you need any help,” Sanjana said, giving me a hug.

“ Roopa, don’t forget your target. You are going to your parents and husband, Preetam on a purpose. No love, no attachment, no bonding. You should return to us as soon as your work completes. So, don’t give any hopes to Preetam,” Nandu suggested as if it was so easy.

I didn’t object to his words. I bid bye to Nandu and Sanjana. I sat on the bus to my village. Getting down from the bus, I looked around reminiscing about my happy days in this village. I am visiting my native place after six months. The fragrance of the Jasmine from the nearby farm touched my nostrils, making me smile. Everyone gets delighted to visit the home after such a long time. But, my situation was different. I recalled the mistake done by me unintentionally, but was regarded as a crime by my family. Of course, eloping from home on the first night without informing anyone is not a small mistake. My smile turned into a sigh anticipating the consequences I may face from today.