"After my child’s arrival, I chose to be a stay-at-home parent as my husband often travelled. Though I enjoyed being around Shonai, it was frustrating to stay at home and see my friends going out to work.

In the eyes of relatives and aunties living nearby, Shonai’s arrival suddenly transformed me into a ‘complete woman.’ However, I questioned myself about how I could be a ‘complete woman’ with no job and a terrible back pain, which had confined me to bed five years ago.

While I put my heart and soul into nurturing my son, I craved a career again – something that would not hamper his care. I knew it was my work and fitness that would make me feel ‘complete’.

It was only after I moved to Delhi that I found a friend in my neighbour, who encouraged me to resume my career. Putting Shonai in a crèche and resuming office was emotional as well as challenging. Soon, I realised that he was deprived of proper care in the crèche.

I quit my job again and decided to do something home-based. Coming from the fashion industry, I decided to start a sari business and give tuitions at home. But again, I realised that my son was getting ignored and faring poorly in school. Gradually, I stopped the tuition classes.

However, I was determined to do something in life. One fine day, I, along with a friend, decided to start an apparel business to cater to urban women. The business is time-taking and strenuous, but my hard work has started paying off. I work when Shonai is in school or during his holidays. I take him along when I go for field work.

My life outside home has instilled a belief in my son that women are much more than cooking, rearing and taking care of the household. All of five, he tells his friends that a career is very important for women. Besides, he helps me with the household chores and tells my husband and in-laws that his mom, too, needs some rest and free time. My work has brought more positivity to my house and given a new dimension to my relationships.”