The journey back to my mother-in-law’s village through the hills of Tripura always brings a sense of contrast—between the chaos of city life and the simplicity of rural living. The roads are rugged and under constant construction, reminding me that every comfort we enjoy has been built on the efforts of others. The bumps in the road are a humbling reminder that nothing comes without hard work.

In life, the real challenge often isn’t the physical journey, but the weight of customs and traditions. In the village, I feel the eyes of the community constantly watching, questioning, and scrutinizing. Reputation is a valuable asset in a place where collective values rule, and stepping outside the boundaries of tradition is often met with disapproval. But I’ve learned not to see this scrutiny as an obstacle. Instead, it’s a tool for self-reflection.

It’s easy to think that modern women must fight against every restriction imposed by society. And while I understand that urge, I’ve chosen a different path. I don’t fight the system; I respect it, while still holding onto my individuality. Respect isn’t about giving up your identity; it’s about engaging thoughtfully with the world around you, understanding why things are the way they are, and deciding where to draw the line.

In the village, I often face questions about my choices—about why I do things differently, why I write instead of following conventional paths. But I don’t see these questions as challenges. They’re opportunities to show that you can respect tradition while living authentically.

Through my writing, I find clarity. It’s my way of processing the constant balance between honoring traditions and embracing modern values. I don’t need to fight the expectations placed on me. Instead, I focus on the deeper meaning behind my choices, knowing that respect, when given freely, leads to understanding.

So, is this the “right way” to live? Choosing respect over rebellion, finding enlightenment in the midst of scrutiny? For some, maybe not. But for me, it feels true. Life is about finding balance, not always about the fight, even on the roughest roads.