Watch: How Husband’s Harrowing Attack Changed Sneha Jawale's Life

Sneha Jawale, a resident of Mumbai, was married at a young age, and her parents paid a substantial dowry, hoping it would provide a comfortable life for their daughter. However, this mindset not only raised the expectations of Sneha's in-laws but also disrupted her life significantly. Jawale recounts how this unfolded.

In a recent talk, Jawale revealed that the escalating demands from her in-laws towards her parents prompted her to take a stand one day. She firmly declared that her parents would no longer pay a single penny or offer any gifts. Little did she anticipate the consequences of her decision, as her husband and in-laws had sinister plans in store for her.

How Husband’s Harrowing Attack Changed Sneha Jawale's Life

Jawale recounts, "After that day, my husband's behaviour towards me changed significantly.” She endured ongoing domestic abuse from her husband every day, hoping things would improve once she had a child. But after that day she shares, “Now he stopped talking to me altogether, and his behaviour was completely unfamiliar." She continues, "One day, while I was working in the kitchen, my brother-in-law whispered something to my husband, and like why are you with her, she does not respect you, and the next minute, my husband came towards me and threw kerosene on my face. The kerosene splashed across my face and stomach area, and within seconds, I realised what had happened and asked him if he wanted to burn me alive."

Jawale never imagined, in her wildest dreams, that what she feared would come true. Before she could even come to terms with the idea of being splashed with kerosene, her husband lit a matchstick and threw it on her. In a matter of moments, she was engulfed in flames. Jawale painfully recalls, "My 3-year-old son witnessed all of this unfolding before his eyes."

She recounted spending two months in the hospital, and upon returning home, she faced mental torture from her in-laws and husband once again. She described how her mother-in-law suggested to her husband that he throw her out and remarry. Her husband then prohibited her from entering their bedroom, relegating her to a room with just a blanket and pillow, treating her like a discarded item. Despite these hardships, she attempted to endure in that household until the day her husband violently slapped her, breaking the nasal tube she needed to breathe. He then threw 1000 rupees in her face and forced her out of the home's gate.

"I was left with no money, so I sold my jewellery to come to my parent's place, but they asked me to go back to my husband's house," said Jawale, who was still struggling to breathe properly due to the tube injury at that time. "I lost everything. No one was willing to rent me a house or offer me a job. Every time I applied somewhere, I would clear the phone interview, but when I had to meet the employer in person, they would say, 'Sorry, there's no opening,'" recalled Jawale, who holds a B.Ed. degree.

Over a decade later, she has transformed into a strong woman, working as a tarot card reader, social worker, and astrologer. She writes about women's issues and empowerment, urging parents to support their daughters during tough times. She says, "Even after marriage, I emphasise that daughters are still your children and deserve unwavering support no matter the circumstances. And remember, dowry can never be a reason or guarantee for your child's safety and happiness."

This story is published in collaboration with Josh Talks.