The acid attack caused 70% burns & left me blind. Help me see again.

“The last straw was mausi removing me from school to do ‘chula-chakki!’ at home. She had adopted me from Maa & Papa because she didn’t have kids of her own. But then she’d always hit me. When I was 12, Maa & Papa died in a road accident. My younger brother Khushan came to live with us; Mausi’s abuse continued. 4 years later she removed me from school saying, ‘Abse bas ghar ka kaam!’ That night, Khushan & I took a train to Delhi. I came across a bar which was looking for a dancer. I had always loved dancing. The money was good too. So, I began working there. I enrolled Khushan into a good school. It was all working out well.

At work, people loved me. My bosses said I had the ‘charm!’ That didn’t sit right with this other dancer. She’d say, ‘Jabse tu aayi hai, mujhse koi baat nahi karta hai!’ I didn’t think much but 1 day, she said, ‘I’ll pour acid on your face!’ Scared, I filed an FIR. The cops came in the next day & screamed at her. I thought the matter was over. But a few days later, I was going to work & as I got into an auto, she came & threw something at me.

My face melted - it was acid! I screamed. The auto driver took me to a hospital. The doctors said, ‘You’ve lost your eyesight.’ With only Khushan by my side, the entire world left me.Over the years, I went on to have 22 surgeries, each very painful. But that didn't weaken my resolve–I fought my case against my colleague. My story broke out in the news & a lawyer reached out to me saying she’d help me for free. 4 years ago, the court declared my attacker guilty.

Next year, she’ll be out. As for me, I’ve used up all my savings & my debts have increased. 5 years ago, someone from Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation reached out after hearing my story & helped me with multiple surgeries. Now, there’s 1 left that could bring back my eyesight. It costs 30 lakhs. I’m trying to collect money. I had tried coming to Bombay to take part in KBC, but failed. Now only you can help me. I want a simple life– like a normal girl who can see, eat, & just…live her life. Is that too much to ask for?”

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Anu needs 30 lakhs for a surgery that could get her eyesight back. Donate to fund her treatment.