“Every challenge I faced revealed that I was capable of far more than I ever imagined.”

The first time I left my aunt’s house, I felt a glimmer of hope; but when they sent me back to my aunt, I realised that only I had the power to escape for good.

The second time, I was determined never to return. Fear was overwhelming, but I knew that if I didn’t act, I would never find freedom.

I am Khushboo – my story of failure and success can be summed up in those two lines.

Losing Everything

When I was ten, my parents passed away, and my brother and sister were taken away from me. I was sent to live with my aunt. At first, it wasn’t terrible. I wasn’t sent to school like her children, but I kept myself busy with housework.

Everything changed after my 14th birthday. My aunt forced me into something I never imagined — she was involved in prostitution, and I was made to serve her customers. It was terrifying, with no way out.

One day, the police found me with a customer and took me to a shelter home. I thought I was finally safe. But to my horror, they sent me right back to my aunt — back to the nightmare I had tried to escape.

Finding the Strength to Run

But something inside me had changed. I knew there had to be a way out. This time, I reached out to the superintendent of the shelter home. She assured me I wouldn’t have to go back.

She helped me escape and handed me over to a Kshamata social worker who was already waiting for me. At that moment, I knew my life was about to change.

A New Dawn

I began healing at Kshamata’s Transformation Centre. I learned to stand up for myself and to dream again. They taught me valuable skills like tailoring, jewellery making, and baking, helping me prepare for an independent future.

Armed with these skills, I secured a job at a catering unit. I started with a salary of ₹10,000. But I was determined to prove myself. I worked hard, and soon, my salary increased by ₹3,000. Before I knew it, I was promoted to Supervisor of the entire team.

I am In-charge

Looking back, I see how far I have come — from a trapped and voiceless girl to a confident and independent woman. Kshamata didn’t just help me escape; they helped me transform my life.

Now, I work as a Supervisor in retail at Flipkart, earning ₹25,000 per month. I live independently and set an example for other girls. Once trapped in a nightmare, I have now built a dignified life for myself.

“Kshamata taught me how to live with dignity, and today, I stand strong, embracing a future I once thought was impossible.”