The Unspoken Truth of Women’s Stories: Finding the Immune Version of Ourselves

It’s a narrative as old as time, stitched into the fabric of our ancient epics and whispered through the corridors of history. Why is the proof of honesty such a relentless demand from women? From Mata Sita in the Ramayana, subjected to a trial of fire to prove her virtue, to Mandodari, the steadfast wife of a characterless Ravana, and Radha, who was wooed by Krishna only to be left behind in the shadow of his societal responsibilities—each story reflects a universal struggle. These women, often held as paragons of virtue, are not extraordinary; they are every woman.

The Trial of Mata Sita

Sita, the epitome of dignity, was asked to prove her purity—not once but repeatedly. Why was it her burden to bear? Couldn’t she, for a moment, strip away all emotion, all obligation, and stand for herself? Why did her love for Lord Rama demand submission? Wasn’t his love enough to shield her from the cruel questioning of the world? And yet, no one asked Lord Rama to prove his devotion, his loyalty, or his worthiness of Sita. The scales of justice weighed heavily against her, as if dignity and commitment were virtues reserved only for women.

The Submissiveness of Mandodari

Then there is Mandodari, exalted for her patience and submission to a husband unworthy of her love. Ravana, brilliant yet flawed, indulged in his desires with abandon. Why was her unwavering devotion celebrated while his character went unquestioned? Did she not deserve dignity equal to her commitment? Why was her suffering romanticized, while his faults were forgiven in the name of power and intellect?

Radha and the Vanishing Act

In the Mahabharata, Radha’s story takes a different turn but arrives at the same crossroads. Krishna convinced her of his love, and she, with all her heart, accepted it. But once she did, he vanished—subsumed by his duties to the world. What about her? Her devotion? Her sacrifice? These questions echo in the hearts of countless women who give everything, only to be left with nothing.

The Mirror of Reality

These aren’t just stories of ancient times; they are reflections of modern life. Every woman can find herself in these narratives:

• The doubted lover: Constantly questioned for her honesty, her every move scrutinized.
• The patient partner: Submissive to a man who doesn’t deserve her commitment.
• The sweet dreamer: Convinced of her importance, only to be ignored when she finally opens her heart.

I am traumatised with the last category—a girl misled by sweet words and false promises, analyzing my place in the grander scheme of things. Yet, when I look at these lives—of Sita, Mandodari, Radha—I see one truth: whether you’re proving your worth, being submissive to the undeserving, or being fooled into believing you matter, the end is the same. A life unlived.

The Immune Version of Womanhood

But here’s the revelation: we don’t have to play these roles.

1. Never prove yourself. The moment you start explaining, you’ve already lost. Your worth doesn’t require validation.
2. Never be fully submissive. Submission is not a virtue if it’s given to someone who takes it for granted. A woman can manage five relationships flawlessly, but submission to one undeserving man will diminish her spirit.
3. Embrace uncertainty. Keep a part of yourself untouchable, unexplainable. Like the sun, air, and water that move freely, let your soul remain unbound.

This immune version of womanhood doesn’t seek approval from Lord Rama, doesn’t endure Ravana’s misdeeds, and doesn’t get swayed by Krishna’s promises. It’s a woman who stands rooted, not rolling like moss, but growing like a tree—firm, resilient, and open to the world’s possibilities.

So let’s rewrite the narrative. Let’s be immune. Let’s refuse to explain, to submit, or to close ourselves off. Instead, let’s embrace the uncertainty of life with dignity and strength, and in doing so, find our freedom.