A decade ago Aanie SP walked out of her abusive marriage when she was merely 19 years old and a mother of a newborn. Today at the age of 31 she is performing the duties of police personnel in a small town where she once used to do small jobs like selling lemonade, ice cream and insurance.
What stands out is her determination and grit at a time when the number of domestic abuse and dowry cases are on the rise in the state.
"Married life is about adjustments. But when things cross the line, your ability to bear, especially in physical violence, there's nothing to think about. Just call your parents. Go to your parents," Ms Aanie told NDTV.
"My son was nine months old when I walked out of an abusive marriage...I would make ₹ 3,500. Of which, ₹ 3,000 would go towards the house rent, ₹ 400 for my son's day-care. I would be left with only ₹ 100. I would do more odd jobs to make ends meet.”
At Thiruvananthapuram’s Varkala Police Station, the S.I. was prompt at addressing grievances of the citizens, even when she was flocked with people visiting her to congratulate her on being posted there recently.
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"The feeling of returning to Varkala as a two-star police officer is something I cannot express. I feel proud," Ms Aanie said, recalling her days there spent in the struggle.
She had requested to be re-posted at Kochi for the sake of her son’s education. This has been accepted by the Kerala police on grounds of compassion.
Aanie’s mother has been living with her over the past two years but her father is yet to speak to her.
"I was not accepted by my parents when I walked out of the marriage. It wasn't an arranged marriage. I stayed with my grandmother and wrote my final year exam, with my son. I was already doing door-to-door sales…I then moved out and was by myself," Ms Aanie said.
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"I know the value of this uniform. The protection it gives, not only me, but to many other women, and the elderly."