The Constitution doesn?t mention it as far as I know. The Supreme court will not go out of its way to protect and uphold this most basic and fundamental right : the absolute right to happiness. Sounds trifle, I know but that?s what we are all running after, when all is said and done. We have our differing views on how happiness can be attained, but of all the doubts we might have that poison our existence to its very core, there is at least one certainty : we yearn for happiness.

A most legitimate want, need even, but with oh so many obstacles in the way. Tragic Sandya went in quest of happiness when she left her parents? home. Over and above what they thought, she was convinced she had a right to be happy and went straight for it. A few years later, she came to the harrowing realization that happiness was still eluding her. And so she did what she knew she had to do, that is run as fast as she could and disclose her misfortunes to the authorities. Alas, she did not run fast enough. Happiness? most effective enemy ? insecurity ? her abuser in this case, caught up with her. And crushed her mercilessly.

Sandya?s mistake was that she started running too late. In this same position are countless other women who, day in and day out, are deliberately or otherwise acting as preys to violence ? be it physical or emotional. The fact is, those women are powerless in the face of such abuse. They cannot pretend to be able to change their abusers? behaviour or understand it. At the very most, it is impossible, at the very least, irrelevant.

What is relevant and important on the other hand is for these women to understand one fundamental thing. For nobody else?s sake but theirs, they have to get out of any relationship that overpowers them, that belittles them and robs them of their dignity. More often than not, the biggest hindrance to this is society. What will people say, the way whatever situation will reflect on themselves and their family and so on and so forth.

If I may- to hell with what society say, it is not their problem. The blows and the psychological abuse are not being felt by any of those gossipmongers out there who have nothing better to do with their time than malign other people. It is not their dignity that is being trampled upon; it is not them who are in a situation where suicide sometimes seems take the only recourse.

We all have an unalienable right to be happy. Unfortunately, there is no guardian of this right. We, ourselves, have to look after it, fight for it, cherish it and nurture it. And never take it for granted. And when we feel it is being threatened, we have to know when to walk. Because this right is priceless. And giving up on it would be akin to betraying ourselves. And there is no excuse for this.