Locked Up at Home

I’m a 23-year-old girl.
I graduated from college,
My siblings live abroad.

One of my brothers suddenly came back home.
That’s when I started getting beaten over every little thing.
I would go months without stepping foot outside.
If I went out with my parents’ permission,
He’d tell me,
“You didn’t take my permission.”
“I took baba’s permission,” I’d reply,
And then he’d beat me,
And lock me up at home.

I am not allowed to work nor do anything with my life.
I am not even allowed to think about marriage,
Not until he permits it.

I’ve lost all hope in life.
I tried to commit suicide more than once,
But I’m destined to stay alive.

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