This is not a rags-to-riches tale, nor one of dramatic battles against societal odds. It’s the honest journey of an ordinary girl from a once-respected and well-established family in Bihar, navigating life’s ups and downs with resilience and quiet determination.
My great-grandfather and grandfather were known for their wealth and integrity, and our family name carried weight. But after my grandfather’s untimely death, the stability crumbled. My father and his siblings had to rebuild from scratch. Amidst that struggle, it was my mother’s fierce resolve that shaped our future. She was determined her children would get the best education, and we witnessed her sacrifices every day to make that happen.
Thanks to my parents, I had a comfortable early education at one of Patna’s top schools. But my focus shifted to Table Tennis, leading to average academic performance. I secured a college seat through the sports quota but made a life-changing decision after 12th gradeto quit the sport. A heartfelt conversation with my father revealed his own academic regrets, and that moment became my turning point. I decided to live the dream he couldn’t.
I studied with unwavering focus and emerged as the second topper in the university. My parents’ pride was overwhelming, and though I shed tears wishing I had achieved even more, I realized I had rekindled a long-lost dream.
But with academic success came new pressure: “What next?” Everyone had a different opinion-IAS, Armed Forces, MBA. I tried for the Armed Forces, but I didn’t clear my first attempt. More importantly, I realized I wasn’t ready to live far from my parents. That emotional clarity pushed me to explore other paths.
I joined a marketing and communications course but left after a year, still unsure about my direction. To live every youth’s dream of working in a Call center, I took a call center job. What I thought would be temporary became a turning point. The demanding nature of the job tested me but also laid the foundation for my future in telecom.
One day, I received a call from a consultant about a job opportunity. I almost skipped the interview, thinking I wasn’t qualified. But I went, and that’s where I met Manish Ranjan, the person who gave me my first real break. The process was slow and uncertain, but I persisted. When I finally got the job, my brother and I would sit on the terrace, dreaming of a life where my ₹3,000 salary would become ₹8,000. That felt like the start of everything.
I worked hard at of the top telcos, loving every moment and going above and beyond. From there, my journey took me to another telco, then another and another. Each move brought challenges, new roles, new teams, new expectations. But I kept pushing, proving myself every time. The work was tough, but the learning was immense.
Then came marriage, which many thought would slow me down. But it had the opposite effect. I married a man who believed in me even more than I did. With every small success, he celebrated louder than anyone. His support gave me renewed strength.
Later, his transfer out of India created another crossroads. I tried managing a long-distance life for months but ultimately chose to resign and move to be with him. That decision led to another struggle, joblessness. I felt lost without work, but I didn’t give up. Eventually, I joined another telco company , though the experience wasn’t ideal. It wasn’t fulfilling, but looking back, I know it was all part of a bigger plan.
After I left that organization, months of rejection followed. I began to lose hope. But my husband stood by me, constantly reminding me of my worth. And then, out of the blue, came the call that changed everything, an interview with the company I now proudly work for.
From the start, it felt different. I was respected, heard, and given space to grow. It wasn’t just about salary; it was about being valued. Today, I finally feel seen, not just for my work, but for my journey.
This isn’t a story of overnight success. It’s one of persistence, quiet strength, and the power of a support system. My parents, my husband, my brothers, and my in-laws, each played a role in shaping my path.
And this is not the end. This is just the beginning.
There are still dreams to chase, goals to meet, and promises to keep.
As Robert Frost wrote:
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
The journey continues.
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