Hina’s Homecoming

The Story of a Pregnant Mother’s Struggle

This is the story of Hina (name changed), a Muslim woman from another state who was found in an abandoned condition in Shrigonda taluka. Seven months pregnant and appearing calm at first glance, it was evident that she was under severe mental stress. Concerned local citizens contacted Snehalaya to ensure her safety and rehabilitation.

A team from Snehalaya’s Snehankur project visited Hina in Shrigonda and tried to communicate with her. As she was originally from Andhra Pradesh, she spoke only Telugu and understood very little Hindi, making communication difficult. Despite this, she agreed to come with the team and, with the help of Shrigonda Police, was admitted to Snehalaya’s Snehadhar project.

Even after admission, Hina remained mostly silent. Due to the language barrier, understanding her background and family details was a major challenge. Based on the limited information she shared, the team tried to trace her family through social media and local police stations in Andhra Pradesh. Although a missing woman report was found, the photograph did not match Hina. As she was unable to share consistent details, locating her family became increasingly difficult. Over time, changes in her behavior also became noticeable.

Hina often wandered around the campus without permission and would clean residential and unused areas without informing anyone. Considering this unusual behavior, and on the advice of counselors, she was admitted to Karandikar Hospital, where doctors started medical treatment. Gradually, some improvement was observed.

As Hina entered her ninth month of pregnancy, we faced difficult questions regarding her future and the care of her child. She had no identity documents, and discussions about legal adoption were initiated. However, due to her unstable mental condition, she was unable to make any clear decisions.

As her delivery date approached, worry was visible on her face. One day, unexpectedly, Hina came to the office and said, “Please call my sister-in-law.”

Until that moment, she had never shared any phone number. That day, she provided a number—and by sheer coincidence, the call connected immediately. Hearing that Hina was safe, her sister-in-law was overwhelmed with relief. The family expressed their willingness to take Hina back home.

That single phone call changed everything. Over the next few days, several relatives contacted the project. Within two days, her family arrived to take her home. They explained that Hina has a history of mental illness. Four months earlier, while living with her husband, she had said she was stepping out to throw garbage but instead boarded a train. Unfamiliar with trains, she accidentally reached Maharashtra. Despite extensive searching, the family had eventually lost hope.

After four long months, Hina was reunited with her family. A single phone number resolved months of uncertainty—for both Hina and the project team. Handing her over safely to her family brought immense relief and joy to everyone involved.