Samjhana (name changed), at the tender age of 20, has faced an incredibly challenging path. She left her education in ninth grade and entered into marriage at the age of 14 which quickly became a nightmare. Her husband, Ajay (name changed), battled addiction and treated her abusively. With great courage, she made the painful decision to leave her daughter and husband, returning to her family in Dhankuta.
Reaching Kathmandu, Samjhana sought employment and found solace in her job at a hotel near the bustling New Buspark. There, she crossed paths with Sagar (name changed), and their relationship blossomed. They created a life together, sharing a rented room in Kalanki. However, when Samjhana became pregnant and attempted to reunite with her husband, she faced rejection and discrimination. Incidentally, the Gangobu police intervened, providing her with protection and ultimately guiding her to Maiti Nepal for her safety and family reconnection.
As Samjhana was eight months pregnant, her husband’s promise to visit her at Maiti Nepal remains unfulfilled. It was a cruel disappointment to her when he failed to show up, leaving her with a switched off phone. This prompted the secretary of Dhankuta Ward No. 4, to step in and help locate Samjhana’s parents.
Despite facing adversities, Samjhana gave birth to a healthy baby boy in September. Having received compassionate pre-natal as well as post-birth care at Maiti Nepal, her heartfelt desire was to return with her family’s embrace. She has been sent to Maiti Nepal rehabilitation home at Sunsari to reintegrate back with her family.