So.. let me tell you a story. The story of a woman who rose above all odds. 

 There lived a woman named Janani. She was just an ordinary 19 year old who lived with her family in her village. Although things weren’t sunny all the time, she lived a happy life. Her 20th birthday was just around the corner and she was still going to school. Since things weren’t really open and optimistic back in the ’90s, being able to get an education was a big deal. Especially if someone were a girl. But all of it came to a halt when she was asked to marry a boy. With no options left, she agreed to do so and she got married when she was still 19 years old. For someone who lived a sheltered, protected life she had a big dilemma in front of her and that was moving to the city. This big unknown place where she never lived before. She was too far from her family now, starting a new life and constantly missing her loved ones. 

 After struggling for 5 years, she gave birth to two kids whom she loved most. But her happiness was short-lived when her husband went to a different country to earn for the family. Unknowingly, the responsibility of being a father and a mother was passed on to her. Someone who was used to being a housewife and took care of the house started venturing out into the city and fulfilled the dual roles that were given to her. Despite all the love and efforts to keep the family going, she was left with the biggest shock no one could ever imagine. Divorce. Despite all the financial aid she received, she lost the father of her children. She was a single mother who had to take care of her kids. The shell she had around her was broken and she had way too many challenges in front of her. To protect her kids physically and emotionally, to stand up to a society which lived by orthodox rules and to make her mark in this world. 

 That’s when the story began.

 Despite all the questions that were thrown her way after the divorce, she learnt new skills, found herself a job, did her normal household chores, dropped her kids off to school, paid the bills and took care of her family. Someone who walked into the city, completely unaware of the kind of life that people lived there; actually found the courage to move out of her old place and live much more closer to the city, made new connections, made sure she gave the best education to her kids, made sacrifices a normal sane person wouldn’t make and just fulfil her role as a mother. She defied all the norms that were set by the society, just to give the best life to herself and her kids. She finally fulfilled all her dreams. 

 Now I know this isn’t your typical success story that you come across. I know you might’ve expected a clichè rags to riches kind of a story. But if you truly think about it.. isn’t this success too? I know she isn’t a millionaire or the most influential person you could ever think of. She is just a stay-at-home mom who takes care of her kids. But the fact that she was resilient and never gave up on her dreams gives me immense pride. A person who embodies these qualities are worth a million dollars.

 In the end, I would say, success isn’t determined by money or materialistic things.. It only depends on stepping up and giving your 100% when any situation arises. I dedicate this story to all the single mothers and fathers out there who fight their battles, spread love and take care of their families every day. Most importantly.. I dedicate this to the biggest inspiration of my life. The protagonist of this story. My mom.