Boots and belts did not bog her spirits down: Now, a scholar, she has left her past behind

It pains to heart to see elders behaving brutally with their children. Some out of sheer hatred for everything and some out of the firm belief that the only punishment for unruliness is thrashing. But, little do they realise that this could have an adverse effect on their young minds.

While some turn out to be violent and sick personalities, others turn out to be immensely submissive. However, this heart-wrenching story by a Chennai girl will give you real life goals. Rising from the ashes like a Phoenix, this girl set very high standards for herself, despite constant abuse by her parents. 

Her ordeal came to light with a Quora thread: 'What is the most messed up thing that your family member has ever done?'

Although there were many sad stories to pick from, this one caught our attention because of the outstanding courage of this girl. After all, the act of forgiveness, even after immense humiliation and abuse, requires a big heart and a lot of courage. Read her story:

Age 5– Being a left handed person always felt like a super power. Mother broke two wooden scales hitting my left hand and turned me into a right handed person. I still use my left hand unknowingly. Old habits die hard.
Age 10– Got hit by father’s belt double folded, Once, Twice, Thrice.. until my skin would peel out and bulge up just because I didn’t score good marks they wanted.
I remember falling at their feet and joining hands for them to stop.
I remember wearing sweater to school, to avoid the questions asked by my friends. To keep the good impression which my mother had created on them.
Age 12- Got caught bunking my tuition classes. Got locked in the same room for more than 3 days. The only time the room would be opened to give me food.
Age 15- My mother caught me and my boyfriend holding hands. That night I wouldn’t forget in my entire life. My parents beat me up red and blue with belt, with sandal, with kitchen items, with everything that came in their hand. Broke my phone. They threatened me of stopping my education and getting me married. I was barely 15.
I remember my head being banged to the wall straight. I couldn’t believe it was the same dad who would caress my hair when I was small. That big bulge on my head pained. There was blood all over the room. (I had my periods that day).
The next morning, I remember my mother making me wash utensils and telling me ‘now on you will be our servant’. Well servants were treated better. She spat on my face.

I cannot forget them burning my books. Especially maths. It was my favourite subject. I was a topper then.
Age 17- I remember being called a Slut by my own mother. (Just for the event I stated above) She said go and sit in some kotha (whorehouse). I cried for days together.
Today I’m 19. I still get tears when they get tears. I still love them. I do get angry and sad at times remembering all of this and more. I still consider them as my parents. But talking about my childhood. I don’t have many good memories.
Give your children memories that they can tell their children about.

As people empathised with her, she took them by surprise instead, by saying this:

Edit 1: Firstly, Thank you for all the love and concern. Secondly, things have changed now. I did fight for myself all these years. Only to be called a mean person who answers back. Nobody dares to touch me now. But I did learn to not let anything get into my head and heart.
Thirdly, Me and the guy(ex) have parted ways. I don’t really know where he is now. It’s been years. We don’t talk anymore.
Fourthly, about leaving my parents completely behind, No I wouldn’t, they are getting old, they would need me later. I know they haven’t done their part of parenting well. But it is my duty as a daughter, let me be the bigger person.
And Finally, I did write Chennai Maths Institute (CMI) exam for pure mathematics and currently, I’m pursuing my B.E in one of the top colleges in Bangalore, India. 
And the person I’m today? I’m in love with myself. I fought to be me.

Now, that is how humanity is restored in this beautiful world. Loads of love to this little angel. 
 

• tamil nadu
• woman