The Day I Got My First Salary, My Marriage Changed

I grew up in a middle-class family and worked really hard to get a good job. My company sent me to the USA many times. On one of those trips, I met a man. We became close, and when COVID came, we somehow managed a long-distance relationship. After 8 long years he finished his studies and came back to India. We told our parents, and of course, there were fights and drama. But in the end, everyone agreed, and we got married. I didn't give any dowry. In fact, I had to take a loan to pay for my wedding because my dad couldn't afford it.
Then I moved to the USA on a dependent visa. A few months ago, I finally got my work permit, and I was so happy I could start earning again. But that's when the problem started. I told my husband I wanted to send a small part of my salary to my parents to help them out. He looked at me and just said NO He said because he brought me here, all my earnings belong to him. He says I should think only about "our future." I like having kids and buying a big house. But he sends money to his own family all the time, and that's somehow okay.
I tried to explain to him that my parents need my help too. But he doesn't care. He says I'm a woman, so after marriage, my duty is only to him and his family. I feel so alone and angry. Is this what marriage really means? That a wife should forget her own parents while the husband does whatever he wants? Sometimes I wonder if this is how it is for every woman who dares to earn and stand on her own feet.

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