The euphony of Subroto’s voice tempted Sanya to give him a tight hug………………………………………… “Darling, our H1b visa is approved and we will be shortly flying to US, Time to pack our bags…………” Sanya and Subroto were married since last one year and it has been Subroto’s dream to make it big in the west. He had been after his project manager to put his name for the coveted visa, and has been eagerly awaiting the results of the same.
“First, we are going to fly to Vegas, what say Subroto?” Sanya said with a twinkle in her eyes.
“I know!! We two will have the time of our life”then planting a kiss on Sanya’s forehead, Subroto continued, “ We have a month left and we have lot of stuff to adhere to, will have to visit Dad and Mom in Delhi and you too will have to put your resignation” “Resignation!!” A chill ran down Sanya’s spine and in a soft murmur she said, “Yes….”.
Sanya was not able to prepare herself mentally for this. After her MBA, it had taken her a
while to reach this point in her career, where she had got what she had envisaged all through. From staying alone in Navi Mumbai, to commuting in local trains in western and harbor lane, from meeting deadlines by working late hours to not going on leave owing to work deadlines she had done it all.
She has given her sweat and blood to her job and she alone knows it’s worth. She doesn’t want to leave it at any cost. Moreover, when few days back, she explored and found out that her dependent visa status in US will prohibit her from taking up any work, she was heartbroken. From that moment, she has been weighing it in her mind, as to whether leaving work and going abroad will be a wise decision on her part or not.
“Hey, you look puzzled Sanu!” Subroto asked in a concerned tone. “Nothing important, I was just wondering as to, why they don’t allow spouses of h1b visa holders to work in US? I mean if that restriction wouldn’t have been there it would have been nice.” Sanya said. “Hmmm, we don’t have any say on that. It’s a foreign country and they have their own set of rules. Don’t worry, I won’t leave you alone for a minute. Life there will be adventurous and you are going to enjoy it for sure. Long drives in Florida stretch, walk in Vegas strip, treks in Vermont………………all these you can enjoy” Subroto dragged Sanya so close that she could hear him breathe. She was puzzled and didn’t know what to say, swallowing a lump in her throat she uttered “sounds exciting!” Next day as Sanya was getting ready for her office, doorbell rang and it was Sanya’s Dad,…………..
“Papa, you are here! Hope things are fine!” Before Sanya could go further Mr. Das
interrupted her and said “I am concerned about you! I have not been able to sleep properly
for last couple of days.” Mr. Das was unsmiling and stern.
Sanya looked confused and said, “Why, what happened Dad?”
“You are going to leave your job and accompany Subroto to US, that’s giving me sleepless
nights” Mr. Das continued, “I mean, all these years I always emphasized on your education,
reason being I wanted you to be independent. If you remember, I always said, marry a job
and then marry a man. I was happy seeing you as a financially independent person but now
I am afraid………………”
Sanya was speechless, she didn’t want to put her worst fear In-front of her Dad as she knew
his temperament well. Again, she was well aware of Subroto’s interest for this assignment.
Hence keeping her calm she said ………………….“ Don’t worry Dad! things will fall at place, I
can do something there too” She didn’t want her loving father to know about the dependent
visa restrictions. She could resonate with her Dad but again she knew that things are not in
her hands.
The same day, with a heavy heart she wrote her resignation letter and sent it to the HR
department. Sanya being an efficient employee, HR people asked her to reconsider her
decision. Though Sanya replied in affirmative, she hardly gave it a second thought.
It was mid-April and there was only a week left for Subroto and Sanya to fly abroad. Due to
their tight schedules Subroto’s parents had flown in from Delhi for couple of days. Sanya
was waiting for her relieving which was due after three days.
“Sanu Beta, Subroto bol raha tha ki US me tum kuch job nahi ker paaogi……………….” Sanya’s
mom in law quipped.
Before Sanya could explain, Subroto interrupted his Mom and said “ To kya hua Mummy,
kuch din ghar pe baith legi. Yahaan pe itna kaam kiya hai, ab kuch din araam hi sahi. Upar se
yahaan pe husband wife dono jitna kama lete hain wahaan pe akela ek banda usse jyaada
kamata hai. sathon saath bache ki planning bhi ker legi”
Sanya’s patience went for a toss and she dragged Subroto from the living room to the bed
room and said “How could you think like this Subroto? I can understand Mummy ji saying
this, but you can’t be so blatant. I am leaving my job! damn it. Try and
understand……………….”
“ I understand! But whatever I said holds good. Our combined family income in India
amounts to three lakhs per month. But in US I alone will earn lot more than that, so that’s
definitely beneficial. You will have lot of free time and you can do what you
want………………..” Subroto sounded serious.
Sanya was heartbroken. She had never expected Subroto to be vocal in such an unpleasant
way.
“Great analysis, Dear husband…………………….I can do what I want, that to when I don’t have
work permit or bank account” Subroto didn’t utter anything and Sanya too chose to be
silent.
Next day as Subroto got up, he found a text from his dearest wife,…………………………
“ Hey, You were right! After a long battle with my inner self I realized that, indeed I should
do what I want rather than what others want from me. Florida, Vegas and Vermont are
definitely on my bucket list, but I can’t afford to visit them at the cost of my job. As my Dad
says, I married my job and then I got married to you. Both are dear to me and I can’t leave
one for the sake of other. When the VISA itself is dependent, then how can it give me
independent thoughts or ideas? You carry on with your assignment and let me carry on with
mine………………………………. Leaving for office as I have to withdraw my resignation. See you
in the evening.”
There are many such Sanya’s who find it difficult choosing one out of two. Life on dependent
Visa is definitely not easy for career driven women. Whenever a woman decides to leave her
job, she goes through an emotional turmoil from within. In such cases family members
should be empathetic towards them which will boost their spirit and morale. This women’s
day let’s rise,shine and empower our tribe……………………………
