When Susan saw the scores on her 8th class mark sheet, she was happy to see how well she had performed. Dreaming of the new books, notebooks, colourful pens and new school uniform, Susan couldn’t contain her happiness the whole summer break waiting for the new session to kickstart. What felt like a dreamy summer, soon turned into a nightmare as she was forced to marry her cousin that same summer break.

Her husband was not mentally sound but her parents sacrificed Susan’s well being by getting her married to him to keep the property within their family as Susan was the only child. As if these adversities weren’t enough, Susan’s life became even more complicated when her husband took his life because his sister eloped with a man.

Bottling up all her emotions within, Susan didn’t get a moment to breathe as she soon started working as a daily wage labourer to sustain herself.

Little did Susan know that a future filled with hope was waiting for her next-door when Susan met a staff member from IMAGE. After getting registered, Susan was asked to share about her life. Initially, it was difficult as Susan didn’t find the words to share what she was going through. After months of counselling, she finally expressed herself, freeing from the chains of depression and anxiety. It took Susan months to let go of the burdens holding her back and soon she was seen smiling, first a little and then wider as time went by.