Indian woman and solo trip

 Parul has been married for 17 years into a typical Indian household. While her parents in law have changed from being traditional to more freethinking, her husband has not been able to accept the changing times for the women. He still believes that women are better at home, taking care of family. Though he confesses that it’s a fantastic habit of his wife to stay away from chitchat world, he is not very comfortable with the idea of an earning venture for her.

Parul and Keshav had a love marriage. Keshav has always been a hard core romantic, protective and caring person. They have a good life full of love, laughter, arguments and celebration. Yet, after 17 years, Parul feels as if she is losing her identity being the shadow of the man.

And then the pandemic fuelled the fire in her. 2020 was relatively better like a long family holiday. Kehsav is extremely fun loving and children enjoy his company. Oh, kids! They have two daughters, a teenager and a pre-teen.

The prolongation of the pandemic has unpleasant affect on mental health of a majority of people. It did not spare Parul as well. 

Frustration began isolating them along with the volcano which was waiting to explode. Just then, while they were planning a family vacation to get away from the monotonous routine, Parul realized the need to be unaccompanied for a while.

She kept thinking of a way and convinced them to leave whereas she can stay at home, however this was not approved by any. She brought her thoughts together and gave words to her feelings one night.

She told them: “I want to go on a solo vacation”

Keshav: “we are planning a vacation.”

Parul: “I want to go alone”

Teen: “Alone!!”

Parul “yes, I want some me time without any restrictions/ boundary or chores”

Pre-teen:” But we will have so much fun together”

Keshav:” what will you do alone?”

Parul:” I want to discover myself. I want to remind myself, who I am. I am lost; I need to figure out a lot of things which can be done alone only”

Keshav:” but it’s not safe for solo women to travel”

Parul:” women do travel alone for work all the time, how do they manage safety”

Keshav: “I don’t know. I am just not comfortable with the idea.”

And the conversation was over.

The routine followed as usual. The family continued to plan their trip.  But Parul was not thrilled. She had not given up the idea of a solo travel. She wanted to have this experience.

What is a solo trip- A trip taken alone to discover new places in the world, but for some this may mean discovering themselves. A trip to be away for a while from daily routine. To be with yourself.

She  wanted to rest. With a book and cup of hot tea. Sitting in the balcony with greenery around her. The sound of birds and hush of breeze. Feel the peace.

No rush of finishing one chore and moving to the next. No sound of children arguing with each other. No feeling of guilt on spending some me time. No hurry of husband getting late for work or children getting late for classes. Relax her mind off deciding the meal plans.

After a week of previous conversation, she gathered all her courage and love for her partner, to once again, express her desire.

Will Parul be able to escape without any guilt or regrets? What do you think will happen next? Will she have the first ever solo trip?

Pour your suggestion for part 2 of the story, and stay connected for the conclusion.