The Pihu Stories #4: When There Was No Krishna

 Part of the series {The Pihu Stories: The Verdict at Home}

Content Warning: This story discusses child sexual abuse.

Almost every child loves to visit their maternal home during school holidays. But there are some little kids who do not find a safe space in those houses. They do not feel at home within those big walls.

Pihu never felt at home in her maternal house.

There was a time when almost every Indian family waited for 8:00 PM. During that hour, everything slowed down — house chores, office work, even the movement on the roads. It was the time for the Mahabharat. Families would sit together, watching the epic unfold.

But for Pihu, when Mahabharat came to an end every night, she felt like Draupadi — almost daily.

When the episode ended, everybody used to rush — some to play, some to sleep. But she could never run fast enough.

Her maternal grandfather (nana) used to grab her feet when she tried to run.

Every day, at around 9:00 PM, it felt like time stopped only for her. As soon as the episode ended, her eyes filled with tears. Her heart started beating fast because she knew what would happen next.

When everyone slowly left the room, she tried to leave quickly, too. But her nana would pull her back. He would hold her tightly and hurt her. He would bite her lips to stop her from crying loudly.

While watching Duryodhan and Dushasan on the television, she felt like they had come out of the screen and into her real life. She became Draupadi in her own silent Mahabharat.

But there was a difference between the two Mahabharats.

On the television, Krishna came to protect Draupadi.

In her life, no one came.

There was no Krishna for her.

One day, when the Mahabharat episode ended, something changed inside her. As everybody got up and rushed out of the room, she decided she would not freeze in fear again.

When her nana grabbed her leg, she kicked straight at his face.

That day, she became her own Krishna.

What can we learn from this?

1. Victims: In real life, nobody is going to be your Krishna. Sometimes, you have to become one for yourself. Be brave. Fight for your rights.

2. Family: Sometimes, when your child is stubborn, there may be something happening when you are not watching. Try to be polite with your child. Listen carefully.

3. Family: A bad incident in childhood can become lifelong trauma. You may notice that your little kid, who was once playful and cheerful, grows up into a 25-year-old still suffering from nightmares. Go to them. Talk to them. Notice them.

4. Victim: If you want an ear to listen to you, you can contact me.

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