Breaking the Bad - By Sonali Jadhav

Written By: Sonali Jadhav

Category: Essay

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative essay "Breaking the Bad," Sonali Jadhav delves into the challenges of family expectations and the pursuit of personal freedom. As a participant in the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Jadhav offers a moving narrative that resonates deeply with themes of resilience and transformation. Through her work, she explores the complexities of familial duties and the courage required to break free from generational cycles.

About the Work

"Breaking the Bad" is a poignant exploration of the tension between familial expectations and personal aspirations. Jadhav's essay is rich with emotional depth, capturing the struggle of a life burdened by responsibility. The narrative is imbued with a sense of hope and determination, as the protagonist seeks to carve out a life of authenticity and freedom. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflection, the piece highlights the courage it takes to break away and the promise of a future unmarred by past burdens.

Breaking the Bad

Original Submission by Sonali Jadhav

Breaking the Bad

Live, not just survive - his wish.

Childhood was never the usual tale of joy and innocence. While others dreamt of toys, colours, and laughter, his days were filled with noise of arguments, abuses, and endless conflicts. A diary became the only safe space, pages absorbing pain and helplessness at an age when life should have been about building dreams, not watching them collapse.

Teenage years were no different. Instead of curiosity and freedom, there was a constant focus on stabilizing a home that never truly felt like one during difficult days. Family battles scaled up while his voice went unheard. Hope existed, but only as a distant thought, often crushed under the weight of responsibilities that didn't entirely belong to him.

Adulthood arrived too early. Relocation to another city for education looked like a chance for change, but reality turned harsher when fees remained unpaid and hostel dues piled up. Friends stepped in, managing his survival with their own limited pocket money. Gratitude never masked the question - how long could this last? Soon, the family followed him to the same city, selling off their house to settle debts. Yet the move only carried forward old habits, leaving him once again as the one expected to hold it all together.

When the college abruptly shut down, the last thread of academic hope snapped. At nineteen, he began working - odd jobs at first, just enough to bring groceries home. His vision of a better life was rooted in honesty, hard work, and ambition. His family's vision, however, thrived on appearances, exaggerations and frequent dependence. Two worlds under one roof - he wanted to be on the brighter side. Despair turned dark, suicidal thoughts crept in, but his inner strength kept him fighting.

The burden only grew heavier. Each loan, each debt, each false image of the family was tied back to him. Later, expectations extended to his wife. When she refused to bend, accusations and name shaming followed. Silence became her shield, love for him was her reason to be calm. Together, they stood apart from the chaos, unwilling to lose themselves to a cycle that never ended.

She chose to stay away from them to respect her sanity. Trust, pushed to the edge, gave way. To them, he is the "bad boy" now brainwashed by his wife. A son who refused to be drained further, a man who chose dignity over forced responsibility - has become a rogue. During these testing times, his wife remains his constant, sharing the weight of scars left behind by her own childhood. They walk together, away from a past that once consumed them.

Amidst all of this, a question lingers - should they extend their family? Fear often whispers - what if the next generation is unknowingly trapped in the same chain of expectations? What if innocence is once again stolen in the name of family duty? The thought haunts them both.

For now, their world is built for two, still carrying the weight of what they left, but no longer carrying it for anyone else. A boy who grew up too soon, only to realize that sometimes breaking away is the only way to truly live. Still, there is a quiet determination - if a new life is brought into this world, not even a trace of past chaos will touch it. Childhood would be beautiful, free of the scars that once defined theirs. The child, when grown, would only be grateful for parents who bore the storm under the umbrella, to keep them safe and dry.

And perhaps that is the greatest fight - to break the cycle. For in this society, often boys are burdened too soon with the weight of family honor, debts, and endless expectations. Girls at times, when they’re the only child, are shackled with similar chains, only painted differently. The story doesn't change; the roles just shift. Breaking free is not rebellion - it is survival. It is the only way to give the next generation the chance to live, not just exist.

A life passed down should not be a debt to repay, but a gift to cherish. Breaking the Bad isn't about walking away from your once loved ones - it's about walking away from the weight that destroys it.

Despite staying away, not a single day passes without wishing them well within and offering a prayer for their good health.

Though miles may part hearts, they still hold care,

Prayers rise daily, floating through the air.

May wounds find healing, darkness disappear,

And life surround them with love sincere.

Being "good" often comes with a hidden price - how much of it is truly deserved, and how justified are the expectations placed upon one?

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of literary talent, offering writers a platform to share their unique voices. This prestigious event invites participants to explore diverse themes and express their creativity through words. It is a gathering of minds passionate about the art of storytelling, providing an opportunity for writers to reach a broader audience and engage with fellow creatives.

Thank you, Sonali Jadhav, for sharing your powerful essay "Breaking the Bad" with us. Your contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the dialogue on resilience and the quest for personal freedom. We are grateful for your insight and the courage reflected in your writing.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.