Jagriti got married at the age of 22. From the shackles of controlling parents, she was thurst into the jaws of a vexatious and controlling spouse. Jagriti was not highly educated so she had no option but to accept a subservient role in marriage.

One afternoon, Jagriti decided to visit her cousin without seeking her husband Shammi’s permission. She returned by late evening after her husband had returned from office. Shammi blew up into a fit of rage after her return for not informing him as to where she had been the whole day and returning after sundown. Jagriti tried explaining that she was not a child who would be kidnapped on the way. Moreover, their driver had been with her all through.Upon hearing this Shammi hurled her with expletives and condemned her behaviour.

After a few years, Jagriti gave birth to two beautiful children. Shammi deteriorated with each passing year and numerous differences cropped up between the couple on matters relating to how children should be brought up. Shammi suffered from bouts of megalomania which lead him to believe he was a ‘know it all.’ He disregarded Jagriti‘a opinions and took all decisions of the household unilaterally.

Jagriti was on the verge of a breakdown. She felt she could not handle it anymore when her inner voice beckoned her to take a pause. She reflected on her thoughts and concluded that if she let Shammi or other extraneous factors control her she might end up losing her wits.

The key to happiness should not lie with extraneous factors like success, promotion, bereavement our relation etc. but within ourselves. She honed her creative skill and resorted to meditation for a more fulfilling and enriching life. From then on, she was also was filled with gratitude towards God his blessings and this made all the difference.

The key to happiness should lie with us and not others. The sooner we realise this, the better.