The story of Ganavi and Suraj is a tragedy. It is not a story of right versus wrong. It is a story of pain, silence, pressure and two lives that could not carry the weight placed upon them.
Ganavi got married to Suraj with dreams that every young woman carries of love, companionship and a secure future. Her parents spent nearly 40 lakhs on the wedding, not because happiness has a price, but because society quietly demands grandeur to prove love, status and success. The wedding ended, rituals were completed and the couple left for their honeymoon to Sri Lanka, a trip meant to mark the beginning of a beautiful journey together.
But within five days, that journey collapsed.
They returned home early, not with smiles or memories, but with arguments, distance and unanswered questions. Ganavi later revealed that they did not share physical intimacy during the honeymoon. She claimed that Suraj was impotent and wanted to have a child through IVF. For many, this may sound like a medical issue that could be discussed and handled. But for a newly married woman, raised with expectations of intimacy, motherhood and emotional bonding, this can feel like betrayal, confusion and heartbreak all at once.
Ganavi was hurt deeply. She felt cheated, lonely and trapped in a marriage that did not match the life she had imagined. In our society, women are often taught to adjust, to stay silent, to “make it work” even when they are breaking inside. Talking openly about marital issues, sexuality or dissatisfaction is still considered shameful. Divorce, though legal, it is often treated as a failure especially for women.
Somewhere between fear, pain and emotional exhaustion, Ganavi lost hope. She did not see divorce as a fresh start. She did not see counseling as an option. She saw no way out. And in that unbearable moment of despair, she took her own life.
Her death shattered her family.
In their grief and anger, her parents filed a dowry harassment case against Suraj and his family. Perhaps they believed this was justice. Perhaps it was their way of holding someone accountable for their daughter’s suffering. The law moved swiftly and Suraj along with his family, was booked in the case.
Now let’s imagine Suraj’s point of view.
Whether guilty or innocent, he was suddenly branded as a criminal. His name, his family, his future everything stood suspicious. Social shame, legal pressure and public judgment can crush a person’s spirit. If Suraj was truly heartless and abusive, would he have taken his own life? That question haunts many. Suicide does not automatically mean innocence, but it does reveal unbearable mental pressure.
Suraj went to Nagpur with his family. Away from home, away from familiarity, carrying fear, guilt or helplessness he ended his life in a hotel room. Just like that, another young life was lost.
Two deaths. Two families destroyed. And still, no clear answer.
Who is responsible for this?
Was Ganavi wrong for feeling hurt? No. Emotional pain is real and her suffering deserves empathy. Was Suraj wrong? That is the decision of law, not assumptions. But what failed both of them was not just a marriage it was communication, support and compassion.
Ganavi needed reassurance, honesty and emotional safety. Suraj may have needed understanding, medical guidance and time. Instead, both were trapped in silence and social pressure. One felt she had no future. The other felt he had no escape.
This tragedy exposes uncomfortable truth. We glorify marriage but ignore mental health. We punish failure instead of supporting and healing. We often blame instead of listening. Dowry laws are essential to protect women, but they must be used with responsibility and sensitivity. At the same time, men facing allegations need fair investigation and emotional support, because justice should never cost another life.
Ganavi could have chosen divorce. Suraj could have sought help. But pain doesn’t always allow clear thinking. When society teaches people that suffering is better than speaking out, silence becomes deadly.
In the end, there are no winners here. Only grief, regret and silence.
If this story teaches us anything, it is this - marriage should never feel like a prison and pain should never go unheard. We must learn to talk, to seek help, to allow people the freedom to walk away from what hurts them without shame.
Two lives were lost because emotions were ignored and pressure was unbearable. Let us not reduce this to a debate of blame. Let us remember them as a reminder that empathy, understanding, and mental health support can save lives.
*HELP IS JUST ONE CALL AWAY
Suicide Prevention And Mental Health Helpline Numbers
Lifeline Foundation Mental Helpline Number: +91 33 4804 3620
iCALL Mental Helpline Number: 9152987821*
