P.S: This is a real story only names are fictional.

I met Savitha for the first time in 2012, was introduced by a common friend Reshma. She was a tall, pretty looking south indian girl, a fashion designer who worked in a popular boutique in Bangalore. She was married to a regional film producer. Like any other arranged marriage, it was the initial phase where both unaware about each other’s personality were exploring  the unknown better half.

When asked about her marriage, she said her husband was an understanding and loving man. He pampered her to an extent that she felt like a real princess. Being raised in a lower middle class family, she always dreamed of a comfortable future but now the reality was  luxurious. Soon she got busy with her new family, where she was treated as a daughter. While all her friends complained about their in-laws, she wouldn’t have anything to share.

I met her for second time when we attended Reshma’s wedding. She looked stunning in a red chiffon sari. She was excited  about starting her own boutique store, financed by her dear husband. I was happy for her as she was living the life she had always dreamed of,or so I thought.

After few weeks, on a friday afternoon I wanted to gift my mom a designer sari so thought of visiting Savitha’s boutique. I called on her cell phone thrice but she didn’t answer. I left her a text message, but she didn’t reply. I assumed she must have been busy, so stopped bothering her.

Four days later, Reshma calls me up, in her shaky voice she said “Sad news, Savitha is no more, she passed away last Friday”. Her husband was out of country for a shoot, he returned home only to find his lovely wife hanging from the ceiling fan. She knew he would be home that day, she had left him a suicide note. She had told him about her past affair, but lied saying it was all over. He trusted her and never brought it up, while she continued meeting her ex-lover even when she was his wife. She was guilty of betraying his trust and she could live with it, no more.

I disconnected the call without saying a word. What could I have said. I knew it was the same day I was trying to call Savitha. We weren’t the best of friends, so she would not tell me about her personal issues. But what if she had spoken about this matter to some friend or family. What if that someone would have given her the right advice instead of blaming her. She took the decision of ending her life when caught in a weak moment. What would have happened if she was strong enough to let that moment pass.

What would have happened if she had confessed to her husband?

Would he give her a second chance?

Is there a possibility that after her repentance she would live a happy life.

Even if he left her, was it the end for her, no purpose to live further ??

It’s been more than a year, since Savitha passed away. But I can’t stop thinking of the endless possibilities that could have happened, had she chosen LIFE over DEATH!

Suicide sometimes proceeds from cowardice, but not always; for cowardice sometimes prevents it; since as many live because they are afraid to die, as die because they are afraid to live.********************

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