Q.8) Srushti is a young and dynamic IPS officer, posted as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in a communally sensitive district. Her husband, Arjun, is an IAS officer and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the same district. Both are honest, sincere and deeply committed to their work. They have a daughter who is just four months old, and is looked after by a domestic helper. Srushti resumed duty just two weeks ago after six months of maternity leave. At 9 PM on Saturday night, Srushti is in her office reviewing the security arrangements with her team for an upcoming festival. The situation in the area has been tense throughout the week due to a flare-up between two communities over a petty issue. Around 9:30 PM, she gets a call from the Superintendent of Police. He asks her to prepare a detailed law and order brief for a high-level meeting the next morning. Srushti reaches home at 10 PM, feeling exhausted. She has not been getting proper sleep during the week due to frequent night patrolling. Arjun also returns around the same time after a long day in the field. Their domestic helper has been unwell and cried through most of the previous night. Arjun expresses concern about Srushti's heavy workload and the baby's condition. He tells her that she can not keep pushing herself this way because the child needs most of her attention. Srushti replies that she cannot afford to step back. She adds that people are already judging her and questioning her commitment to work for avoiding maternity leave. The conversation gradually turns into an argument. Arjun feels Srushti's health and family, while Srushti feels judged and unsupported. Later that night, as Srushti sits at her desk preparing the report, she pauses and reflects on the purpose of her work. She had joined the IPS to serve the people and protect the vulnerable. But now, she wonders if she is being true to that commitment given her family. Even as recently as last week, she had to cancel the family dinner as she had to attend an urgent meeting at the SP office. She also feels the weight instantly under scrutiny. Many in the department believe that women, especially new mothers, are not suitable for field duty. Srushti is thinking about her options. She knows that whatever decision she makes will not only impact her own future but also influence the expectations placed on other working mothers in uniform.