sleepless for 20 years

  Chapter 9: The Illusion of Care After Dr. Keshav Ram left for America, we were left with an empty chair, both literally and emotionally. His absence created a vacuum in our lives, and with my father still fragile, we needed a new doctor—someone trustworthy, grounded, and hopefully not another person who saw mental health as just another money-making machine. It was around that time we came across a name that was rapidly gaining popularity in our city— Dr. Navneet Jain . He was a newly settled psychiatrist, known for charging just ₹50 per consultation , a laughably small amount in a system where most doctors charged thousands while simultaneously pushing branded vitamins, “nerve boosters,” and unnecessary medicines just to earn their share of commission. In India, sadly, this wasn’t shocking—it was common practice. So when my mother heard about this doctor who charged so little and had long queues of patients from nearby towns, she felt a rare sense of relief. “Maybe he’s not...

  Chapter 8: The Legal Battle and the Growing Tensions The legal battle was taking its toll on my father’s health, and more so on my mother’s mental well-being. It wasn’t just the pressure of the legal proceedings; it was the constant strain of dealing with the external forces that seemed to be conspiring against us. Every day, the weight of it all grew heavier, especially for my mother, who was already carrying the burden of looking after our home, the business, and her family. The toll this legal battle took on her was immeasurable. As the case dragged on, the strain on my father’s physical and emotional health grew more evident, but it was my mother who seemed to suffer in silence. The Growing Tension and Strained Relationships As if the legal battle wasn’t enough, there was another layer of stress piling on top of our already fragile family. My father’s health was deteriorating due to the relentless depression he was grappling with, but it wasn’t just his own well-being tha...

  Chapter 7: The Sudden Misfortune and the Fight for Justice My father had always been a man of unshakable principles, a man who valued honesty above all else. His deep-rooted integrity was the bedrock upon which our family stood. From his work at the Northern Railways to his involvement with the worker's union, my father had earned the respect of his colleagues and the trust of the people who depended on him. But his devotion to doing what was right also made him a target—someone who would, unknowingly, become the subject of a great injustice. What followed would not only test his character but would shake the very foundation of our family, leaving us grappling with the harsh realities of a world where honesty wasn’t always rewarded. The Honest Act that Became His Undoing It all started when my father uncovered a major scam within the Northern Railways. He had noticed irregularities in the distribution of coal—large amounts of it being diverted by senior officials, who were th...

My father had always been a man of principles, a man who took pride in his integrity and commitment to the work he did. His strong sense of honesty and justice was the very foundation of his character. It was one of the reasons why, despite his struggles, he was a beloved figure in our community and at work. But what happened next was something none of us could have foreseen, a turn of events that would test his values, his spirit, and our entire family in ways we had never imagined. For as long as I could remember, my father had been a dedicated employee at the Northern Railways. He had always followed the rules, worked diligently, and earned the respect of his peers. But he wasn’t just a worker; he was also an active member of the railway union, a man who stood up for the rights of his fellow workers, always pushing for fairness and transparency in the workplace. His unwavering commitment to doing what was right often placed him in direct conflict with those who chose shortcuts, and...

  The Relentless Strength of a Woman's Journey In the quiet rhythm of daily life, the world often overlooks the quiet strength and sacrifice of women. These unsung heroines go unnoticed in the bustling noise of society, as they manage countless responsibilities with grace, love, and resilience. My mother, the backbone of our home, was no different. She was a woman who wore many hats—a homemaker, a businesswoman, a caretaker, and a pillar of unwavering resolve. Her life was a constant juggle, her days stretched from dawn to midnight, all in service of her family, her business, and her dreams. This chapter is a testament to her endless dedication. It's an exploration of her incredible perseverance and an ode to the unrecognized, but crucial, role that women like my mother play in the fabric of our lives. The Heartbeat of Our Home Every morning, before the world had even begun to stir, my mother was already awake. Her day began before the first rays of sunlight could kiss the...