Poem: Disguised Motherhood. A young poet writes about the grief of losing her mother. She remembers how her mother's life was when poet was a child.

While starting a new life with a life partner again, she needs to leave her mayka, the maternal home. Her love for her parents and siblings, her job, her surname, her room — just to survive in a new place which will never be hers ever.

"It started when I was about seven years old. It was my birthday, and someone at the party said, ‘If she were fair, she would’ve looked beautiful.’"

There have always been exemplary women, who are tremendously inspiring and motivating. One such person that remains in my mind is my English teacher...

Her maiden name was her identity. It gave her a sense of belonging. She was born into a family which she loved and cherished, and to bear the name of that family was certainly a privilege.