I got married when I was 32 years old. My husband Ravi was two years older than me. We had spent many years of our lives focusing on our careers. My job was going well, but pressure from society and family convinced me to get married. My mother would often say, ‘Get married, otherwise you will age.’
Ravi’s income was low at the time of marriage, and this troubled me. I used to wonder, can I be happy with a person who is not financially strong? Still, I loved Ravi and wanted to spend my life with him, so decided to get married.
Our relationship soon turned sour after marriage. Ravi’s low income made me feel insecure. On the very first day of marriage, Ravi had told me, ‘Rhea, my income is low, but I will try my best to keep you happy. We won’t have everything, but our life will go on well.
At the end of the month, when Ravi’s salary came, he saved Rs 5,000 from it and gave Rs 20,000 to me and said, ‘Keep this with you. If needed, I will ask from you. I was surprised. Is this really my responsibility? I kept the money, but running the household was not easy.
When I talked to Ravi about this, he said, ‘I am trying for another job.’ But when things didn’t change, I started getting angry. Six months later, I returned to my maternal home and decided that I would no longer live with Ravi.
Ravi tried hard to call me back, but I clearly said, ‘I will not come back until you start earning well.’ Ravi finally talked about divorce.
During the divorce proceedings, the judge told me, ‘Money is important, but love and understanding are more important in relationships.’ I had ignored his words. After the divorce, I started a job and realized how much hard work is required to earn a salary of Rs 15,000. Then I understood what was the value of Rs 20,000 which I got sitting at home.
On the other hand, Ravi’s salary had increased to Rs 86,000. I realized that relationships are not just about money, but about love, understanding and trust.
Today I understand that the most important thing in relationships is mutual support and mutual respect. Money can make life easier, but relationships are strengthened only by love and support. I have learned from my mistakes that to maintain relationships, it is most important to have heart and understanding.”