Dedication: My sister
“Finding Strength: A Sister’s Promise Fulfilled”
I was just 18 when my elder sister, who was expecting, tragically passed away in a car accident. Suddenly, I found myself holding her 2.5-month-old daughter, and all I could think was, “She’s my sister’s kid, and I’ll take care of her.”
Life took a crazy turn. I had to put my studies on hold to look after my mom, who was battling cancer, and run our family boutique. Meanwhile, my dad, dealing with alcoholism, had a paralytic attack due to high blood pressure, and I became his main support.
Deciding to raise my niece, on my own wasn’t easy. Relatives doubted whether I could give her the life a real couple could. They suggested adoption, but I was determined, I was going to give her the best education and life possible. And today, she’s rocking it in one of Delhi’s top schools.
Amidst all this, my mom ended up on a ventilator for a month. It was tough—she didn’t even recognize me at times. But I kept pushing through, hoping for a miracle.
From being a pampered younger sister and the baby of the family, I suddenly became the one in charge—the responsible one and a mom at just 18. Life hit me like a ton of bricks, showing me the real deal.
I tried trusting people and was in a relationship for 10 years, thinking I finally had someone to rely on. But that ended in betrayal. I even tried to get married twice, facing all kinds of questions and judgments about raising Danya alone. Some people even had the audacity to ask if Danya was really my niece or if I was lying about her identity.
When I wanted to legally adopt, I faced a barrage of questions— how will you manage alone? life isn’t easy, without a man you wont be able to make it alone. Life is scary, you know, but you’ve got to learn to surf those waves like a pro.
Now, after 16 years of grinding it out, I’m celebrating my work anniversary. I’m a proud mom to a 16-year-old, a hustling marketing professional, and a devoted daughter to my 73-year-old mom. Looking back, I can’t believe how much I’ve overcome. Life as a single woman ain’t a walk in the park, but I’ve learned to face it all with courage and determination.
And you know what? Today, I feel like I’ve settled everything down. Now, I’m out to find that 18-year-old Alisha again—the carefree girl with dreams and aspirations. It’s time to reconnect with her and rediscover the joy and excitement of life.
Keep riding those waves, people.
Life is strange, in a blink of an eye it makes you from master to joker, but we’ve got what it takes to conquer it.
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Photo credit: Image provided by the storyteller.
