CONTROLLING INTEREST

He drove fast and rash. He was livid.

It was not new. He got angry pretty often. What he was, what his life is and why he behaved the way he did was all her fault!! He smiled to himself. Yes...all her fault.

She was in pain. Lying on the floor. Clutching her stomach. A sharp pain shot through her shoulder as she bit her lips to stop herself from screaming. This was not new. He saw her talking to the milkman. She tried to explain it was nothing. But he would not believe her.

He laughed loudly. He would plan better tomorrow. He would apologize tonight as usual, have his way...but tomorrow is another day.

The pain was getting worse. But she was scared. She was scared of what he would do if she told someone. He even threatened to hurt her only companion,  her labrador whom she adored. She had kept this a secret for too long. He would not allow her to keep in touch with her family and friends.

He was the only important person in his world. And so should he be in her life. And why not? Everything has to happen just the way he wants it when he wants It. He will go to any lengths to get what he wants. Emotional blackmail, shameless begging, apologizing, getting her gifts, belittling,  shaming, threatening or even violence.

She sobbed. She wad well educated.  but he did not trust her enough to let her work. Why did she take such crap? She thought. She always tried to calm him, trying to keep him happy by doing things he likes and the way he wants. She thought of her parents who have 2 more daughters to wed. She can make this work. She has to make it work.

He knew power was everything. And fear. He had to be in control. He had to keep the fear alive. She was but his slave and servant who has to do his bidding. Why could she not understand this simple concept?

She was bleeding now...never before was it so bad. She had never gone to a doctor. Covered her bruises and wounds by wearing clothes that conceal them. She thought for a second.

He wondered why she did not call him and apologize.  he always left a phone there just so she could. And she always called.  and he would let it ring and ring till she calls him many times over.

She picked up the phone and made one last phone call. "amma" she said.

As he was wondering why she had not called, his phone started ringing. It was an unfamiliar number. He realized he had been out of range for few minutes. It stopped ringing. He parked the car at the side of the road and checked his phone.

38 missed calls in 10 mins! He wondered what was going on.

All different numbers. Not one call from her. He called the last number. A female voice answered. "I am your wife's lawyer. She has lodged a complaint against you. In the beating you gave her today she is not only injured but had a miscarriage. Any communications from now on will be routed through me." He cut the line.

She sat in the hospital surrounded by her family.  she cried and cried as she was comforted by her loved ones. She felt the burden ease from her shoulders. The loss was irreparable but there was hope.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he felt a sinking sensation in his stomach. Panic struck. They knew. They all knew. He started driving weighing his options. He could think of none. He could not think anymore. Tears rolled down.  He did not see the bus in front of him as he made the turn.

So this is what pain and fear feel like...he thought...as his eyes closed involuntarily.

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda. This time your entry must contain, ’38 missed calls in 10 mins! He/She wondered what was going on.’

Domestic violence need not be only physical or sexual in nature. Emotional violence also exists.  it may cause far more harm than just physical injuries. It need not be essentially against women. It could be against old residents in a home, mentally or physically challenged, people of different sexual orientation,  and even men. Please check out the following links for more information on such violence and spread the word. A little knowledge can can save a life.

http://m.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/domestic-violence

http://www.domesticviolence.org

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/domestic-violence