But Kaveeta’s strong and rebellious heart wanted more for her life, “I know the same yearning lived inside of my mother as well, I could see it in her eyes. But she was so bound by her cultural ways, that she wouldn’t let herself even think about it. And the more I rebelled, the more her resentment for me grew.”

As a young adult, it was decided that Kaveeta would marry. Her father chose her husband, took her back to India and, after four supervised visits, Kaveeta was wed.

Hopeful for the fairytale ending, Kaveeta and her husband moved back to Canada to start their family.

She describes those years as the most difficult and challenging years of her life being torn between her husband and family and her own dreams and personal beliefs. She describes it as a life oppressed by control, abuse and degradation.

“I battled such anxiety and depression during those years. I felt trapped like I had no escape. I was raised to believe that unless he leaves you, you aren’t allowed to leave your husband – no matter what. And despite being born and raised in Canada, those cultural beliefs run deep.”

After 15 years and against all the odds, Kaveeta cultivated the courage to leave her marriage and start her life over with her children. “That was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. I had to risk losing my family and being looked down on in my community, a community of people that I loved and respected. But living a life that was not mine had become more painful than leaving and risking it all.”

She recalls that in her darkest hour, the Universe sent her the strength and support she needed to get through the other side. “A person entered into my life and became my guardian angel who not only understood the odds but empowered me to stand up for my true self.”