Forced Marriage

We call ourselves ‘modern’,’ broad mined’ and ‘forward’ but force marriages are still in practised very much in today's day and age. It’s not just emotional but sometimes marriages are conducted without a valid consent of the bride and the groom, where duress is a factor. In my experience I have come across so many girls, who are at the risk of or fleeing forced marriage. I so find them torn between their wishes and ambitions and their loyalty towards their parents. My heart really goes out for those victims who are in these situations and are trying so hard to make a sense of their lives and regain all the strength and courage to battle against… their very own Parents.

This is dedicated to all those survivors…..


Forced fate

Once again, am staring from this tiny little window at maple tree
Wondering will I ever come out of this room and be free
Days? Weeks? Or may be month. Don’t remember how long in this room I’ve been.
Never thought, saying ‘No’ to an arranged marriage was such a big sin.

I am only 18, I so wanted to work and get myself educated
Not, get into marriage so early and be frustrated
I thought my parents loved me and understood how I felt
If they cared for my well being, would my dad at night hit me with a belt?

Who is this guy whom they want me to get married? Is he made up of gold?
‘You need to keep up the family honour’ that’s all I am told
I get cursed, beaten black and blue just to obtain a ‘yes’.
But now, when I think of my dreams and ambitions my life is a mess

I feel so disconnected, no one shows they care
My own siblings feel ashamed of me, this thought I just can’t bear
I wish I could do something about my situation, some action I could take
If I do something drastic, run away from the window or commit suicide, all relationship and bonds I break

I still do care for my parents to see them hurt, I just hate
So what do I do with my life, just give into this crap and call it fate?
It’s not broken bones, scarred face and bruises that hurt me.
But it kills me to know my despair, my agony and my cries my parents don’t see.

I wish I could get some help, and come out of this situation so horrible
But I also wish not to depart from family, live life happy and normal
So lonely. So depressed. So helpless… I feel I am going mad.
I am alive for namesake, within me I am dead.