My father was strictly against it. He believed that such jobs weren’t re- spectable for a woman and, worst of all, they would affect my marriage prospects. He wanted me to be a schoolteacher. But I wanted more. It was my mother who fought for me. She stood against all opposition, convincing my father that I deserved a chance to chase my dreams. She took accountability for my decisions, promising that I would not go astray. And she was right. The BPO world was new and wild. I saw youngsters drinking, partying, and getting distracted. But my focus was crystal clear. I was not there for fun—I was there to build a career, to prove myself, to make my mother proud. I worked tirelessly, giving everything to my career, and even today, my mother keeps track of my success. She asks: “When is your next pro- motion?”, “What is your next designation?”. And just a few days ago, she asked me: “How many roles are there between your position and CEO?” I laughed and said, “Maa, that’s too far off.” And she simply replied, “Nothing is impossible for you.” A bond beyond distance There is something almost magical about a mother’s love. Whenever I am unwell, upset, or even just feeling low, I don’t even have to say a word. She knows. Even if I am miles away, somehow, telepathically, she will sense it. Before I can even pick up the phone, I will see her name flash on my screen, asking, “What’s wrong?” Even today, without fail, I get a call from her every single night. She lov- ingly calls my name, talks to me for an hour, and showers me with so much love that no matter how tough my day has been, I go to bed know- ing I am deeply, unconditionally loved.
Her love knew no conditions. The night before my wedding, she sat me down and said something that shook me to my core. “Give your best to your marriage, but never tolerate any kind of mistreat- ment. If you are ever disrespected or unhappy, you can always come back home.” That was not something most Indian mothers say. Traditionally, women are told, “This is your home now, and no matter what, you must stay.” But my mother gave me something no one else did—freedom, even in marriage.
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SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
LETTERS TO MOTHERS
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