I got married at 21. My father sent me with a lot of dowry but my in-laws returned everything. However, of late, they’ve been torturing me in the absence of my husband, who travels often. My husband loves his family and takes it lightly whenever I try to tell him about their behaviour.

Rashi Midha, Calcutta

Now this is a tricky one. Obviously they hate you and it is you who they do not want in addition to dowry, of course. So my advice is take a call to dump your husband but before leaving the house make sure you file a police complaint or actually file multiple ones and ensure your in-laws and your non-believer husband spend months on end with A. Raja in Tihar or wherever it is you live. It is clear your husband couldn’t give a damn about what happens to you so why should you bother? Just let them have it and make sure you send them Diwali greetings when they are in jail.

I’m 14 and from a small town. I’m a singer, songwriter and composer. I want to be a singer but my father wants me to go to an IIT and become an IAS officer. He won’t let me collaborate with other artists and has taken away my guitar. I am depressed.

Name and address withheld

Look son, this is a serious column and not some career advisory that we run. My suggestion is if you are convinced about how good you are, then to hell with your parents: just apply for the next TV reality show and we will all get to see either how good you are or what a loser you are. Simple. And then we’ll take it from there. Bappi Lahiri is looking for someone to hold onto his wretched gold earrings when he walks so you might even fit that role, if all else fails.

My girlfriend told me that she had sex with her ex. Should I keep this relationship going or break it off?

Name and address withheld

Brilliant, and you still ask me whether you should be with her? Next time round, she’ll be seducing the building security guard after having done the local police man and you will still believe she loves you. She is an opportunist who couldn’t give a damn about you. The sooner you realise this, the better off you will be son.

HELP AT HAND

Alcoholics anonymous

10A, Nandan Road, Near Ganja Park, Calcutta - 25
Ph: 2419 1174
For free help on alcoholism
E-mail: aakolkata_ig03@rediffmail.com
(2p.m. to 6p.m. Mondays through Saturdays)

Al-Anon (for families and friends of alcoholics)

Ph : 8420738682
(2p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays)
www.india.al-anon.alateen.org

Narcotics anonymous (Kolkata area helpline)

Ph: 9836223071;
www.nakolkata.org
Email: info@nakolkata.org
Self-help group of recovering addicts

HelpAge India

1800-345-1253
Free helpline for the elderly for social, legal, economical, financial counselling and also access to government schemes and policies

Lifeline Foundation

Ph: 2463 7401/ 2463 7432
Free helpline for the depressed or suicidal
(10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturdays)

Sparsha

AE-36, Rabindra Pally, PO: Prafulla Kanan, Calcutta - 01
Ph: 2591 0334, 2591 3852, 6529, 9856
Free tele-counselling and one-on-one counselling on personal relationships and HIV/ AIDS
(10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays)

Pronam

38/1, Beltala Road,Calcutta - 19
Senior Citizen’s Emergency
Co-ordination Control Room
Ph: 2419 074