I was 18 years when my parents started planning my marriage to one of my distant relatives. In spite of my resistance and desire to continue my studies, I had to yield to it. As per their wish I got married to the same person who was a driver. I was happy in my married life though I was disappointed when my in-laws said to discontinue my studies. I was doing my 2nd year PUC then. After three years of my marriage, when we were unable to have a child, we started consulting doctors. By that time my husband’s health was also declining. I was engaged in taking care of him and running around to several hospitals. I was confused at the bad condition of my husband. During the course of his treatment, he was tested HIV positive at a private facility. Later on I was told by the doctor that I have AIDS. I did not know what AIDS is all about! But gradually everything became clear to me. Come what may, I decided to fight the disease but my husband was shattered. He started taking sleeping pills and tried to commit suicide many times. He also lost his mental stability and orientation. I took him to NIMHANS and other hospitals, but he continued to fall sick. One day he ran away from home, I waited for him in vain. He never came back. My in-laws turned hostile towards me. I was asked to go out of their house fearing that I am a threat to their children. Even my mother and siblings were not happy to keep me at home. That is where Snehadaan came to my rescue. Snehadaan accepted me and I felt accepted here. I was offered position of a Health worker. I was capacitated through different trainings like Expert Patient Training, Peer education and counselling. I was equipped with more knowledge and skill to work in this field. I found a home at Snehadaan. I take care of inmates here and help them to fight their battle against the infection. I am also on ART leading a healthy life. I also share my life story with other positive people and try to encourage them to treat life positively. I live the motto of leadership and remain as an example to others around me to lead a courageous and full life. I hope for a brighter life devoid of stigma and discrimination for people living with HIV. |
