She wanted to crack the medical entrance test, pivoted towards becoming a college lecturer, enrolled in UPSC coaching classes and lived an independent life in Delhi's Uttam Nagar.
"She wanted to create opportunities for other girls in the village. Nikki was their role model. Other girls too wanted to score well, get into college in Delhi, work outside the village, and dream big... Like her," said Nikki's father, Sunil Yadav (46).
But the 22-year-old met a cruel end on February 10 last year when she was strangled in a car inside the parking lot of Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi, and her body was stuffed inside a fridge at a side aba in southwest Delhi's Mitraon village, allegedly by her partner, Sahil Gehlot.
Hours after she was killed, Sahil got married - a photo of which surfaced on social media, post his arrest by the Delhi police on February 14. Three days later, his father, two cousins, and two friends were also arrested under sections pertaining to criminal conspiracy, destruction of evidence, and harboring a criminal.
Days after Nikki's body was recovered, however, police found out that Nikki and Sahil who had been together since 2018 - secretly got married in 2020 in Greater Noida.
"Sahil was under family's pressure to marry the woman they had picked for him. His family did not approve of his relationship with Nikki, as she belonged to another caste. Sahil killed Nikki because she learnt about his engagement with another woman and threatened to make their relationship and secret wedding public," said a Delhi Police crime branch officer aware of the investigation.
A year later, Sahil and his five accomplices remain lodged in Tihar jail, Nikki's family battles grief and anger, and the girls of Kheri village wonder why their parents won't let them dream-like Nikki, who was an inspiration to them.
A secret wedding, a secret engagement
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times dergisinin February 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times dergisinin February 14, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Rohit, Rahul And The Question Of Who Will Open With Yashasvi
India didn't disturb the Jaiswal-Rahul opening pair and skipper Rohit Sharma came in at No.4 in the truncated pink-ball game vs Aus PM XI
Kyiv Needs Arms, Nato Invite Before Talks With Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that his country needed security guarantees from Nato and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia.
How Siraj Found His Rhythm After A Poor Run At Home
The thing that always strikes you about Mohammed Siraj is his enthusiasm.
MY PARENTS MAY HAVE BLAMED THEMSELVES FOR MY MENTAL HEALTH: IRA
Ira Khan, daughter of Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta, recently opened up about her parents' reaction to her mental health issues
Bhajji confirms biopic, wants Vicky Kaushal to play him on screen
Indians love their sports icons and thus sports biopics are loved by moviegoers. Currently, biopics on former cricketers Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh are in the pipeline.
Debutant Bethell leads England to 8-wkt win over New Zealand
England blazed to an eight-wicket victory in the first Test against New Zealand Sunday, knocking off their 104run target in just 12.4 overs of their second innings.
Liverpool beat City to go nine points clear; Chelsea Win
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool overawed arch-rivals Manchester City in a 2-0 win on Sunday with goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah to take a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League and extend their opponents' slump to seven games without a win.
Jay Shah takes over as youngest ICC chief
CURRENTLY, THE PRIMARY REVENUE SOURCE FOR THE GLOBAL BODY IS THE GLOBAL WHITE-BALL TOURNAMENTS FOR MEN THAT ARE PLAYED ONE EVENT EACH ANNUALLY
Nishant takes Vegas punt in path to reset
It didn't take long for Nishant Dev, India's Paris Olympics boxer, to understand the gulf in attitude towards training in his temporary new set-up compared to what it was back home.
Gukesh takes a gamble but Game 6 too ends in a draw
The teenager spurned world champion Ding Liren's early peace offer before battling to split the point after 46 moves in Singapore
