Unbecoming Her - By Nikita van der Westhuizen

Written By: Nikita van der Westhuizen

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing "Unbecoming Her," a captivating short story by Nikita van der Westhuizen, penned under the name "Unbecoming her." This submission is part of the esteemed Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In this poignant narrative, Nikita delves into the intricate themes of identity, the legacy of family, and the transformative power of motherhood. Through her evocative storytelling, readers are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

About the Work

"Unbecoming Her" is a deeply moving exploration of personal identity and familial bonds. Nikita van der Westhuizen weaves a narrative rich with emotion and introspection, capturing the struggle of shedding inherited labels and embracing one's true self. The story's mood is reflective and ultimately redemptive, showcasing the protagonist's journey towards self-acceptance and understanding through the lens of new motherhood.

Unbecoming her

Original Submission by Nikita van der Westhuizen

Unbecoming her

“You’re just like your mother.”

I’d heard it my whole life by the man who was supposed to protect me from the world. The way my very being moulded and shaped into everything that she was and everything I’ve spent an entire decade running away from.

She was not perfect, but she was my mother.

In my eyes she held the very essence of a place I had always known to be safe, but the safety net could only hold me long enough before it started to tear from all the holes.

Once the safety net tore, I was left bruised and broken. Always thinking I was damaged beyond repair.

I’d spend years trying to figure out what was wrong with me and why I couldn’t just be normal. I’d spend many nights crying myself to sleep praying for a miracle. One that would wrap itself around me and change everything that I was.

Low and behold a miracle would happen. I sat crying in a bathtub coming down from the high, begging God to bless me so that I could walk in freedom, and then it happened.

Two purple lines on a plastic stick. I was blessed.

They put her in my arms, and she looked up at me as I looked down at her terrified. She became the answer. The miracle wasn’t wrapped around me. It was wrapped around a tiny baby girl that would heal every part of me that was broken. It would answer every question and push me to every limit to find every unanswered question I’d had.

In that very moment I could no longer accept the label that had been burned into me since I was a little girl, because every part of that lie died inside of me, and became exactly who I had always been

I was me; I saw all of me in her eyes, and for the first time I had truly understood the meaning of Grace.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in the literary world. It brings together poets and writers from around the globe, providing a stage for creative expression and storytelling. This competition honors the artistry and impact of words, fostering a vibrant community of literary talents.

We extend our gratitude to Nikita van der Westhuizen for sharing "Unbecoming Her" with us as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her story offers a heartfelt exploration of identity and renewal. Thank you, Nikita, for your contribution to this literary celebration.

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.