Which religion or caste do you belong to?
I am an Ojha, ma’am. They’re Vishwakarmas. I’m a Hindu.
Are you married?
Yes.
Do you have children?
Yes. My first-born is my only child.
Since when have you been living in Delhi?
My husband has been living here for the past 25 years. I’ve moved here recently, just a month ago.
Where do you live in Delhi?
I live in…I always forget the name. I live with my husband.
Why did you come to Delhi?
I just came here for a trip. My husband works here. I just came here to spend some time with him.
So, you’ll go back soon?
Yes, I’ll be going back.
So, your husband lives here and you live there.
No, we don’t have anyone else in the house. It’s just the two of us. Someone has to look after the house too, right? My mother-in-law is there. My father-in-law is no more. So, I’ll have to look after everything, right?
Before coming here, to Delhi, did your husband have any friends or family living here already?
Yes.
Who?
My sister lives here.
Do you live with them?
He used to live with them but not anymore. We’ve been living separately ever since I came here.
What kind of work do you do?
I don’t do any work. My husband works, though. I don’t work.
For how long have you been married and living there?
It’s been two years now.
So, whatever money your husband makes, is it enough for you and your family?
It is enough. He says “If it isn’t enough, then I can just leave the job. I do it only because it suffices my needs.” That’s what he tells me.
What work does your husband do?
He works at a movie theater. He’s an engineer.
Did he do anything else before this?
No. This is what he has been doing.
So, what is your daily routine like?
I don’t do anything as such, trust me. I just play with my child. My husband doesn’t even let me do anything.
Then what does your day look like from the morning until evening?
Nothing much. I even tell him I wish to do something. I am even educated. But my husband doesn’t let me do it.
What is your education?
I’ve completed my B.A. I’ve done it from my village, my parents’ place. It was in science.
That’s quite interesting. Then why don’t you work? You’d get a decent job as well.
My husband doesn’t allow me to do it.
But that is so interesting. What division did you clear your exams with?
It was first class.
It was first class?
Yes.
So, whenever you study, do you enjoy it?
Yes. I absolutely love it. I had said that I will keep studying even after marriage. But as soon we had our kid, then my husband asked me to stop studying. I still wish to study further. But my husband says "What will you do?" He doesn’t let me take up a job either. Then he says "You can study further if you want." I said "What’s the use of studying then?" If I can’t take up a job after that, then why should I study? That’s why I don’t study anymore. He won’t let me do it. He says he doesn’t even think much about me in his life.
How do you find the life here in Delhi?
I’d say I like it here but I won’t be able to stay here for long.
You are here just for a month, right?
That’s right, a month, or maybe two.
And when will you come back to Delhi?
I come to Delhi quite often. It’s no big deal. My husband gets me here whenever I wish to come. But for now I’m preparing for my brother-in-law’s wedding. It’s due in May. And after that, we’ll move out of here. I’ve bought a house in the village. We’ll stay there. There’s no compulsion that we stay here.