Picture courtesy: Humans of Madras

“Later, I studied in the same school as my sister. While she was there to protect me, I still had haters and backstabbers. Somehow, I channelized my time and energy towards dance. I learned Bharatnatyam and it wasn’t easy. I had to find methods to adapt myself and move rhythmically. The only way I could do it was to observe and feel the vibrations. It was difficult but I managed to have my own Arengetram. It didn’t stop there. I couldn’t restrict myself to it. That was the one and only way to express me. I started dancing freestyle and performed in many reality shows both in North and South India. Celebrities appreciated me and I had shown all over the country and also abroad. Despite all this, I was going through a major phase of depression. I was waiting for my school to get over. That’s when my sister stood shoulder to shoulder with me. She helped me read lyrics, rhythm and choreograph my dance. She was there to listen to my cries and protect me from people who harmed me. Needless to say, she couldn’t be there always. I got two pet dogs who were more like my own therapists during hard times. I had an amazing chemistry teacher who convinced my family to let me pursue dance and commerce instead of science and tech. I found three of my closest friends in the final years of school. It all happened late in my life but I’m just glad it did. The thought that I’ve faced so much and alive today kept my hopes rising to live every day, albeit the fact that I’ve made suicidal attempts with a desire to end all this misery”