As soon as Maya entered the party hall with her husband, Armaan, all eyes were fixed on her. “Oh my God! Look at Maya. Day by day she is gaining weight. She should dress in dark colours to hide her fat and appear slim.””And look at her dress and its colour; it doesn’t suit her dusky complexion at all,” a group of ladies whispered to each other.
Maya felt a little awkward seeing all those scrutinising eyes checking each curve of her body. She very well knew what was being discussed about her among the group, but she ignored it and shifted her attention to others. But she had the impression that everyone there was obsessed with finding flaws and body-shaming her.
Maya had already stopped going to such family get-togethers and her office parties to avoid such situations where she would become an easy target of such topics of humiliation. Just because it was Armaan’s cousin’s wedding and she didn’t want to disappoint him, she agreed to attend all wedding functions with Armaan.
Maya was lost in the loop of thoughts when suddenly the voice of Nilam Aunty startled her, “Hello Maya, kaisi ho?” (How are you? ). I must say, it’s a nice dress, but it would have suited you more if you were a little thinner. It seems like you have put on more weight, dear. Why don’t you join Zumba or Yoga classes? I have a number of dietitians who can help you lose weight.
Maya felt disheartened by Nilam Aunty’s remarks. She tried to remain quiet but couldn’t control her emotions anymore and said, “You are right aunty, I would have looked better if I were slim and fair, but what should I do? My PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) and thyroid disorder don’t allow me to remain slim and trim, and pardon me, I can’t do anything about my complexion, that has been gifted to me by God.” Please stop body-shaming me. “I can’t take it anymore.”
Maya left the room, leaving Neelam Aunty and all the other women present there feeling embarrassed and ashamed of their behaviour. They exchanged shameful glances. They realized that they had been putting undue pressure not only on Maya but on many other girls of the society by setting harmful beauty standards.
One of them chased after Maya, took her hand, and led her back to the venue where everyone apologized for their hurtful comments and promised that they will actively work together to bring the change and inspire women of all ages to break free from societal beauty standards.
The Momma Clan 
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