Srinagar, July 24 -- The neurologist came late. My turn was going to get delayed by about two hours. The same fateful day, I got my period after over two months. My back was aching and my stamina was dropping.

I have been feeling quite terrible for the past month, feeling empty in my heart, crying a few times, holding back at other. When I finally got my period, it occurred to me that the disruptions in my mood could have been a consequence of some hormonal disturbances which led to the delay in my monthly cycle.

I am trying to do things independently as Baba has a lot to take care of already. I asked my younger sibling to accompany me to the hospital. It is a private hospital. I was on time but upon arrival, I came to know that the doc...