Nandini* lives in Raigad, Maharashtra, with her husband Sandesh* and their 4-year-old son Rudra*. She completed her 10th grade but found it difficult to secure a stable job. To support her family, she worked as a housemaid, while Sandesh was employed in housekeeping. Life was challenging for them, and they were constantly concerned about Rudra’s future.
In an effort to improve their financial situation, Nandini accepted a job at a local gym. She worked hard, but her employer took advantage of her need for money. He promised her a 20% bonus if she could bring in ₹12 lakhs of business each month. However, his conditions were unethical—he asked her to deceive customers about gym memberships. Feeling pressured, Nandini reluctantly agreed, hoping to provide for her family. Despite her hard work, the promised bonus never materialised. When she questioned her boss about this, he became angry and falsely accused her of misconduct, which led to her arrest and imprisonment in Thane.
Nandini’s imprisonment was a devastating blow for her and her family. She was deeply distressed by the thought of her young son growing up without her, and her concern for Rudra weighed heavily on her while she was in prison. All she wanted was to be reunited with her son.
During her time in prison, Nandini met the staff from Sahaara, who listened to her story and understood her situation. With the help of a partner NGO, Sahaara worked to reduce her bail amount, and they ultimately paid for her bail. Nandini was released, and the joy of being reunited with Rudra was overwhelming. Her family was immensely relieved and grateful to have her back home.
Although Nandini remained unemployed after her release, Sahaara promised to help her find work and explore potential business opportunities. With strong emotional support from her husband Sandesh, they began facing their challenges together. Nandini realised the importance of making careful decisions and decided to start a small clothing business to support her family.
Nandini’s family is now together, and they are working to rebuild their lives. Sandesh expresses his sincere gratitude to the Sahaara staff for their assistance during such a difficult time. Their support, especially during their financial struggles, meant a great deal to the family. Nandini is also thankful for the guidance she received and is committed to building a better future for her family. She looks forward to this new chapter in her life, determined to care for her son Rudra and provide him with a stable, happy home.
This story of Nandini reflects her journey towards a fresh start with the support of her family and Sahaara’s intervention, giving her hope for a better future.
* Names changed to protect identities.
