The Daughter Who Was Never Asked What She Wanted

      By  KA I was born into a home that loved me — but never listened. A home where  dreams were assigned , not chosen. Where my identity began with “you have to become a doctor,” And ended with, “you’ll get married at 25.” No one ever asked me what I wanted. Not once. Not when I wanted to be a journalist. Not when I asked for a phone and was told I didn’t need one. Not even when I gave up my room, my books, my time — for my brother, so he could study better. I was told I was a “good girl.” Good girls sacrifice. Good girls don’t argue. Good girls  disappear  into roles — daughter, sister, future wife — before they even understand who they are. Sometimes, I try to study for NEET. Sometimes I just stare at the wall, wondering: “If I fail, who will I be?” Because I don’t know what I want anymore. I only know what everyone else expects me to become. I’ve lived so long pretending to be okay that I don’t know when I’m truly happy or sad. I just know I ...