to sanj, for always encouraging me to write poems. and to sans, without whom this book wouldn't even have existed.

ISBN: 9781685092634

part i womanhood

As a young girl, I had hoped and prayed for a lovely life, I had aspirations that I believed would come true, the day we were announced man and wife. Happily ever after was something I’d always dreamed about, Little did I know, to ruin it all, you were cut out.

All these months, I’d gotten around to convincing myself that you were great and wise, But the bruises on my face, hands and chest said otherwise. “Don’t meet guy friends don’t stay out late, don’t wear revealing clothes and never party,” You acted as if you were the controller of my life, all high and mighty. Tried thinking of and noting down reasons to stay, Frankly, there were none, may I say.

I’m worthy of more, I believe and trust, And because of that, not blame myself for this, I must. My parents warned me of the society holding me accountable and judging me, of course, But that still couldn’t deter me from saying “I still do want a divorce.” - Don't need no man

It's a fact unknown that when a woman starts speaking her mind without fearing the consequences, she becomes five-folds as sexier and ten-folds as unstoppable, almost like the queen that she's destined to be. - Queens without crowns

Ugh, my favourite pink dress seemed to have gotten a little tighter, and instead of huffing, I find myself looking into a mirror. The baby bump had gotten worse but I break into a smile.

The smile that was because of you being my forever favourite. The smile that was because of you bringing nothing but joy in my life. The smile that was because of you becoming quite easily the love of my whole life. - Love of my Life

There was once a girl who, give or take, was all kinds of a meddler, With curiosity in her eyes, she asked stupid questions to people like a toddler. Always smiled like a fool when given a chance, Gosh, almost forgot, even laughed like one, all the time in advance. But now, she’s become someone who sees only and only the darkness, She’s become someone who’s lonely, never had any friend.

Tears rolling down her puffed-up cheeks, She stared at the nasty grin on the face of the rebellious freak. As he unbuttoned his crumpled shirt and drew near, She let out a cry so loud, that even the Gods could hear.

Besides the trash can, without any sympathy, she was left to die. I ask you, what had she done to deserve this, oh my! Ideally, in front of her parents and loved ones, she should twirl, What was her crime? Being a girl? - Being a Girl

You have always been told that you're a damsel in distress, but I know that the badass in you can kick someone's ass in a saree if need be - Not your typical "girly" girl

All these months, of my universe, you were the centre, As you were the first good thing, into my life, to enter. You couldn’t see but I kept you near, Hoping all the stories I read for you at night, you’d hear. I was eating, taking good care of myself and living, all for you, Because the doctor had asked me to.

You were to see the world with twinkle and hope in your eyes, You were to be just like your grandfather, so very wise. You were to, for the sake of me, be born and live, For taking that away from you, me, I hope you forgive. -I'm sorry