It was a bright morning, with people rushing around and decorating the house with marigold and jasmine flowers. I could hear my father speaking to the workers for the tenth time, wanting everything to be perfect. My mother was occupied with arranging the dress, pieces of jewellery, and most importantly, attending to the groom's side.
Yes, it's my wedding today—with a guy I don't know.
Everyone was behaving as if nothing had happened. But it wasn't something new. This is the destiny of many girls from different castes, especially in the Santhal community.
I still remember that things weren't like this a few months ago...
6 MONTHS AGO
I had just completed my diploma in Legal Studies and was on my way to the court. My name is Kunami Hansda. I am a 26-year-old woman who has fulfilled her dream of becoming a lawyer.
It was my first court hearing at the subordinate court.
My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when I found myself about to get hit by a truck. I realized that I had been so lost in thought that I crossed the road without paying attention to the traffic lights.
Before I could react, my legs felt numb, and that familiar stomach pain struck again. I bent down and collapsed onto the road, feeling as though all my ambitions were about to come crashing down just as they had reached their greatest height.
I heard a screeching sound and a man shouting,
"Someone call an ambulance!"
After that, darkness consumed my vision, and I lost consciousness.
I woke up to the sound of people talking and calling my name. When I opened my eyes, I realized I was in a hospital room with several people surrounding me.
"My... specs," I whispered.
The nurse immediately handed me the spectacles kept on top of the drawer beside my bed. I put them on and recognized everyone around me—three nurses and a doctor.
The doctor was the one who had saved me and called for an ambulance.
"How do you feel, Ms. Hansda?" he asked.
"Better," I replied.
He nodded and introduced himself.
"My name is Akash Dutta, and I am a general surgeon."
I looked at him and asked, "Why did I suddenly faint?"
"You've been diagnosed with gallbladder stones," he explained. "We need to remove them because they have grown significantly. There must have been several symptoms before this."
I replied dryly, "I thought it was just a simple stomachache."
He scoffed lightly.
"You think recurring stomachaches are simple?"
I remained silent.
He continued, "Your parents are outside. We've informed them. Your surgery will be held tomorrow."
He left after saying something to the nurse.
Soon, my mother entered the ward. She immediately wrapped her arms around me and started crying. My father hadn't come, but my elder brother was there, discussing everything Dr. Dutta had explained with one of the nurses.
I comforted my mother.
"Mom, calm down. It's not a big deal. They just need to remove it. I'll be alright."
