Page 7 - Chupi-Todo

C hildhood is said to be the purest part of one’s life but unfortunately I don’t have

any pure memories of my childhood. I was in class 4 when my grandfather irst
abused me. I was shocked. I was never told about these things so I didn’t know what
was happening with me. He touched me in the wrong places for 5 years.

There were nights I couldn’t sleep as some incidents took place when I fell asleep.
I locked my room one night but the next day, I couldn’t tell my mom why I had
locked it. When I was in class 9, I had the courage to stop him; the courage to
oppose him. I always thought of telling my parents but I was afraid that they would
not believe me. I am 21 years old now but tears roll down my cheeks when I think
of that time.

Last year, my cousin who is in class 6, told me about an incident that took place with
her, which she wasn’t able to understand. The culprit was once again my grandfather.
The moment I heard her, I decided that I wouldn’t let her suffer. I confronted my
grandfather. I warned him and then I told my parents about it. Everyone asked me
why I had been quiet all these years but I had no answers. However, I really want to
thank my aunt who supported me even more than my mother did.

I always feel guilty about what happened to my cousin. If I had told my parents
earlier, she wouldn’t have had to suffer. I can never forgive my grandfather. He took
my childhood away from me.
-Radha
CHUPPI TODO! | 05