After my marriage at the age of 18, I became a victim of my husband's brutal assaults. Unable to bear the physical and mental pain any longer, I walked out with my two small children.

Back in my parents' family, I became the breadwinner, but couldn't make do with my meagre income.

It was at the instance of a friend that I sold my body for the first time. I cried a lot that day. Now, I am de-sensitised. Whenever I need money, I sell my body. This way, I earn Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 a month.

My children are too small to understand what I do. My only dream is to give them a good education. I want them well settled in life.

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What has this country done for the poor and the hungry? I would not have sold myself if not for poverty.

Independence doesn't mean anything to me when I am chained like this.