"She devoted her life to serving others, yet she faced constant disappointments"

Written by Nilaja Paranjape
Manju stayed with her family in my neighbourhood consisting of an older mother and younger brother. Despite being a caring and selfless person, she was often overlooked and taken for granted by her own family. Manju's selflessness and resilience shined through as she navigated through various situations.
Initially, Manju's appearance, being obese and dusky skinned, seemed to hinder her chances of finding a partner, but she never let that stop her from supporting her younger brother's marriage. Soon her younger brother got married and within a few years of marriage, the family was blessed with beautiful twins. She took on the role of a mother figure for her niece, Aditi, and nephew Arjun, as her brother and his wife were working professionals. She took care of them with utmost love and affection. Despite her own desires for a family, Manju put others' happiness before her own.
Manju finally found someone willing to marry her, however it turned out to be a bittersweet situation. Her husband already had children from a previous marriage, and their decision was made to not have children together. While Manju accepted this arrangement also with a smile, it was clear that her family's decision was a disappointment to her.
After her marriage, Manju faced a challenging situation with her strict in-laws. She continued to fulfil her responsibilities and took care of her husband, children, and in-laws without any appreciation. The lack of recognition for her efforts and sacrifices was disheartening.
When her son was getting married, Manju's opinion was not sought regarding the marriage proceedings. Despite this, she still welcomed her daughter-in-law into the family with open arms. Her happiness knew no bounds when she learned she would become a grandmother, but once again, circumstances were not in her favor. Her grandson was placed in daycare, despite Manju's willingness to care for him wholeheartedly.
Manju’s life took a darker turn when Manju was diagnosed with breast cancer. She faced this battle also with strength and courage, standing strong even when her family's concern seemed insincere. Despite their lack of support, Manju emerged as a survivor.
Manju's story is a testament to her resilience and bravery. She devoted her life to serving others, yet she faced constant disappointments and unfulfilled desires. Despite these hardships, she remained strong and fought against the challenges that life threw at her. Manju's story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the courage and strength that can be found in the face of adversity.
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