Epilogue

 Epilogue

(Tara’s Final Note — Years Later)

Time turned its pages, but some stories never leave us.

Reading those diary entries, living through Arundhati’s aching words, left a lasting imprint on me. I was young then — curious, and perhaps already drawn to understanding the unspoken pain of those around me. But her pages didn’t just inform me — they transformed me.

Years later, I pursued psychological sciences, hoping to make sense of the quiet chaos that so many women endure alone. I went on to become a school counselor in a reputed public school. Life gifted me a daughter — and with her, the familiar worries resurfaced.

One day, I noticed something. A shadow where light used to dance. Silence where laughter lived. I had seen it before — in Arundhati’s journal, between lines of poetic anguish. This time, I was not helpless.

I held her, and I wrote — not just for her, but for every daughter who needs to reclaim herself. This is what I gave her that day:

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If You’re Tired of Walking for Everyone

— Amita Joshi

If you're tired of walking for everyone...

Take a stride for yourself once...

For if you keep your foot down,

Nobody can meddle with your existence.

Make sure your heart is full before you pour out love for everyone.

Don't take what they say — it’s easier said than done.

You own the enormity in every word and sense.

Don't believe any story from any other lens.

Your every effort will bring you laurels.

Why on earth would you rise with their shovels?

Your glance back replies loud and clear to their stare.

Leaving all the inhibitions aside, walk — rather, cruise — through this thoroughfare.

Move, as you have a million dreams to fulfill.

Don't let anyone stop you to a standstill.

Remember — you are the only one who matters to you the most.

Clap and cheer for yourself... raise for yourself a toast.

If they love you for your timidity — better let them go.

Ice thawed long back... let your fire put up the show.