Modern Love, Planned Life: How Contraception Became a Tool for Career Empowerment
Rohit, an IT professional based in Kolkata, recently entered into an arranged marriage with Deepti. While his family holds traditional values, Rohit is a firm believer in modern partnership. He sees his role not just as a husband, but as his wife’s biggest advocate. In this Spotlight, he shares his story of navigating family expectations and helping Deepti pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a Police Sub-Inspector.
Hello! I am Rohit! They say bonding is the beautiful part of an arranged marriage, but for me, the true test of my relationship with Deepti came just three weeks in. The aroma of flower still lingered from the wedding, yet the air in our new apartment was getting thick with a different kind of expectation. Since our families introduced us and we said ‘I do,’ every auntie and well-meaning relative was dropping hints about a baby.
“Such a beautiful match, you shouldn’t wait!” “A child brings so much joy, Rohit!” I’d smile and nod, but inside, I felt Deepti’s tension. She was sitting for the Police Sub-Inspector entrance exam in six months. Her dream wasn’t a baby right now; it was the crisp, starched uniform, the responsibility, the challenge. Her dream was to be Constable Deepti Sharma, not just Mrs. Sharma.
That evening, I found her studying late, a frown creasing her forehead. “Deepu,” I said softly, sitting beside her, “don’t worry about them. This is our life. And I know exactly where you need to be right now—in a training academy.”
She looked up, her eyes shining with relief. “You really mean that, Rohit? I don’t want to let your family down, but I can’t put my training on hold.”
“You’re not letting anyone down,” I reassured her, squeezing her hand. “I married a woman with fire, and I want to see that fire burn bright. The rest can wait.”
The hard part was the family discussion. I pulled my parents aside first. It took courage, but I spoke plainly. “Deepti is preparing for a career that she has worked towards for years. She is not mentally or physically ready for motherhood, and I support her one hundred percent. We will have a family when we are ready, and not a moment sooner. Her commitment to her dream is my commitment.”
Once the dust settled, Deepti was beaming. Her study routine was focused again, and I saw the old determination return. But I knew we needed a concrete plan.
That night, after dinner, I took out a discreet little box. “I got this for us,” I whispered, handing her the Suvida oral contraceptive pill pack. “We talked to the doctor together, remember? This is our secret weapon, our timeline setter. It gives you the control you need to focus completely on your training.”
She took it, her hand trembling slightly, a beautiful, grateful smile spreading across her face.
“Don’t worry about anything, my love,” I added, kissing her forehead. “The doctor was clear: you can start and stop whenever we decide. There are no long-term side effects, and it’s perfectly reliable. You go chase those stars, and I’ll be here—your biggest fan, and your partner in planning every step of the way.”