The little feet meant to climb trees and run were pushing the kalash filled with rice. The little hands meant to hold pen and notebooks had beautifully designed heena. She never knew what had changed in her life untill the day she was placed in a 'Palki' and bid a good bye from the home where she was grew up or I will say was growing up.
Sudha was a little naughty girl with the dreams to catch the stars. She was excellent in studies and sports. She was a happy go lucky child. When her mother fell ill, his father thought of getting her married off as her mother also should see her daughter getting married. But for a eleven years old girl,  it was something illusional. She found out that she was getting married which made her think of bridal attire, sweets and loads of blessing which she saw at the wedding of her Sona Didi.
She got ready with very high zeal. She didn't know that her blooming life was soon going to gloom for her father's futile decision.
She was beautifully dressed as a bride, all smiling and laughing.
'Sudha, get ready fast, fere(rounds around fire) is about to get started.' her father said in a rushed tone.
'Baba, how am I looking?' Sudha asked innocently.
'Just like a queen.' replied her father hiding his tears.
Soon the ceremony started and the rituals followed. Everyone was happy.
Sudha was placed in a beautiful Palki (palanquin). At this point of time,  Sudha realised that something wasn't right. She realised that she was going away from her parents. Her parents were crying but they had to send her daughter after marriage.
She came to her new 'home'.
She was welcomed and everyone was looking at her pretty big eyes and dusky but sharp features.
When everybody was adoring her beauty and jewellery her father had gifted her, she suddenly screamed in pain.
She had severe stomach pain. The ladies took her to the room inside and asked her to keep quiet.
Her mother in law shouted at her.
'Don't scream, you insane girl, your mother didn't tell you about this?' she said.
'What?' asked Sudha crying.
'That every girl has to go through this. Now you are a woman.' said her mother in law.
'Listen girl, we have rules in our house. When you are in your periods, you can't stay here. You have to live in the hut near our house. Make your own food, do your work all by yourself and stay there alone.' said her mother in law in a harsh tone.
'But how will I stay alone?' asked Sudha in a very sad voice.
'Every girl stays like that in our village. You aren't the first one.' said her mother in law.
'I feel scared, I can't live alone. I will not tease anybody, I will do all you say. Please don't send me away.' said Sudha.
'For three days, stay in the hut. Kamla, take her to that hut.' ordered her mother in law.
'No, please.' Sudha cried.
But nobody paid a heed to her and she was taken to the hut.
She cried the whole night and was a hell lot scared. She was hearing the sounds of animals and humans( both were same for her).
Next day when she got up, she saw a stream of blood around her. She felt disgusted. She had never experienced that filthy feeling for herself. She washed the floor of hut and she thought the blood will stop but less she knew it was the starting.
Second day was horrible. She kept on bleeding and cleaning. She was crying her eyes out but there was no one who can console her. She had to face it alone.
It was her third day and she was unable to get up. She had excruciating pain in her stomach. She was lying on the floor, lifeless.
Kamla went to call her back as the third day was over, but to her shock, Sudha wasn't responding. She pushed the door and saw her. Kamla shouted.
'Ma, Sudha is not getting up.' screamed Kamla.
Everybody ran towards the hut, but Sudha was long gone. Somebody had called a rural doctor by then which too was late.  The infection due to unhygienic conditions and less nutrition suddenly spread to her whole reproductive system. Due to her weak body, she was unable to cope up with the pain and blood loss she faced.
Now, Sudha's husband is getting married again and Sudha's name is forgotten.

Dear readers,
I feel this natural cycle still is a big taboo in our society where a lot of us face a lot of discrimination and too by women itself.
What are your views about it? please tell me in the comment section and give me a heart if you like my story.

© Healing scars