Is there any gender to dream?

A cheering noise was raised , when the President announced "Mandira The First Holder of UPSE" . She walked confidently and proudly onto the stage. Thousands of cheering people could be heard, all of them wearing pleasant faces. Everyone is proud of her, including her friends, teachers, and well-wishers. Her friends calling out her name Mandira—Mandira—Mandira. However she felt unfulfilled. Except for her parents, everyone was present. She accepted her hard-earned trophy with a phoney smile. Her parents want her to wed a wealthy, well-employed man. Their defence is that civil service is exclusively intended for humans. And they made her to study only because that a well-educated girl may find a wealthy man. With a smile on her face, she carried her trophy into her courtyard. However, her happiness vanished in an instant. Mandira saw many chappals are present outside. Upon her arrival on the house, her mother leads her to the kitchen and hands her a tray filled with coffee, and asking her to serve the guests. Who are they ma? she enquired. They're here for your marriage proposal . But ma.... Her mom went out without hearing her. Tears came to her eyes. She could hardly see her way because of her tears. She wipes at her tears. She gives everyone coffee while wearing a fake smile. They are talking about something, but she is unable to hear what is being said; her eyes are wet, her ears are going deaf, and her heart is heavy. She could see her father's hand and the Surendar (Groom to be) father's holding hands. A drop of her tears fell on her mother's leg, but she pretends not to notice. Finished. Her Dream, Her hardwork , Her life. Mandira shut the door of her room and began sobbing. Days went by, and her weeping didn't stop. but nobody makes an effort to understand how she is feeling. Mandira asked herself , Does that mean a girl is worthless? She has no value? Her dreams are worthless, really? her Opinion ?her emotions? No, I can't abandon my dream. I. . .. She stood up, wiped away her tears, and went to tell her parents that she didn't agree with this marriage. She Called Baba. Her father turned to face her and remarked, "Beta" November 5th, Tuesday, your marriage is fixed, happy? Since there isn't much time, tell your friends about this good news. It's not good news, baba, she said with a bold voice. This does not make me happy. I am unable to wed that man. I have my own dreams. My goal is to achieve my dreams. I am unable to get married. Surendar is a good man. You can also chase your dreams once you're married. He will stand by you also his family. They are also highly educated individuals. You've already turned 23. It's too late . Our neighbours have already begun to whisper about you. Stop them and don't let them continue. Mom said to her. Ma, I can't get married. I'll leave this house if you force me to. I'll get out of here surely. After finishing, she was meant to go Baba stopped her and said "You won't see me anymore if you don't marry Surendar and make me feel ashame in front of them".She lost all power. She become helpless. Countless questions raced through her head. Mandira remained motionless for nearly thirty minutes. she continued, "Fine, Baba."Yes, I will. Finally the marriage-day. Once more , She was forced to pretend to smile, as all girls do, . Her heart is heavier than her jewellery and saree, so she doesn't feel their weight. She was unable to understand what was going on around her. There were a few people chatting among themselves, a few conversing with her, and a few people just loitering around. Abruptly, a instruments sound raised. flowers and Rices showered on her. On her neck, someone had tied a thread. yes it is surendar. The world seems to stop for her. The customs are still in place. but her thoughts were wandering. It is already eight o'clock night. She felt an odd feeling. From there, she saw her belongings, including her diary. She picked up the diary and held it close to her chest. Abruptly, a harsh noise It was Surender, Mandira. When he got close to her, she experienced fear. What's that? He queried. With a cracking voice she said, "My dream, my dairy." He bought the diary from her with force. MANDIRA IAS he read from the diary. Mandira IAS ? So, becoming an IAS officer was your dream job? He asked sarcastically. now as well. She answered. He chuckled. How ridiculous. you are now married. You're my wife . Your duty is to serve my family and me, not the public. Dream about my family and me from now on. Men belong in the working class, and women meant to be in the kitchen. you get it? Mandira felt that his words were harsher than a knife. She understood what her future going to be. Fake smiling, she thrown her diary into the trash can. She questioned herself, Doesn't a married woman have the right to follow her dream? Is there a gender to dream? She closed her eyes, Mandira felt tears streaming down her cheeks. Days passed, Months passed years passed, she couldn't merge with them . Non one try to understand her. They all treated her like a servant. There, she faced relentless pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. Mandira's dreams felt suffocated as she struggled to find her voice amidst the demands of her new family. Meanwhile, Mandira's parents, unaware of the extent of her suffering, felt a pang of guilt for not fully understanding her desires. They watched helplessly as their daughter's spirit dimmed under the weight of societal expectations. One day, Mandira reached her breaking point. With tears in her eyes, she mustered the courage to confront her husband and his family. She expressed her longing to pursue her dreams, to break free from the chains of societal norms that confined her. To her surprise, Surendar's family reacted with disdain, dismissing her dreams as foolish and impractical. But Mandira's parents, witnessing her bravery and determination, felt a newfound sense of responsibility. They realized their daughter's happiness was paramount, and they couldn't continue to ignore her suffering. In a moment of clarity, Mandira's parents apologized for their previous ignorance and vowed to support her unconditionally. With their encouragement, Mandira made the difficult decision to seek a divorce, determined to reclaim her autonomy and chase her dreams. Despite facing judgment and criticism from society, Mandira persevered. With unwavering determination, she enrolled in an IAS coaching program, fueled by the belief that her dreams were worth fighting for. As Mandira immersed herself in her studies, her parents stood by her side, offering unwavering support and encouragement. Together, they proved that a woman's dreams were not meant to be sacrificed but celebrated. Years later, Mandira emerged triumphant, achieving her lifelong dream of becoming an IAS officer. Her journey was marked by resilience, courage, and the unwavering support of her parents. And as Mandira stood proudly in her uniform, she knew that her story was not just about breaking boundaries but about rewriting the narrative for generations to come. THE END "Don't clip her wings, let her soar. A woman's dreams are not meant to be sacrificed; they are the foundation and the hope for a better world" _____________________________