No world for women.

I am not yet born; forgive me

For the sins that in me the world shall commit, my words

when they speak me, my thoughts when they think me,

my treason engendered by traitors beyond me,

my life when they murder by means of my

hands, my death when they live me.

- Louis Macneice

I woke up to an amazing video shared in a WhatsApp group. And there were men assuming that the video was made by a guy because he had videos related to football on his channel. Yes, I take offence at football being associated with men. The last time I checked, we women seemed to enjoy it too. Yes, I struggle to comprehend the discrimination between the two sexes even in such trivial affairs. And what does that suggest? Is the inherent, thinly disguised misogyny so profound that it refuses to crumble?  May be, these are subtle innuendos to imply this is no world for women!

"I can cook", I said. "You are a girl, that's obvious." "Cooking is my escape not my need", I frowned. "I want you to deliver me food for the entire week." 

That wasn't the first time I was hearing how cooking comes instinctively to women. But it disturbs me more when I hear the same from a woman. Yes, women can be liberated only if they want to be. You want that respect, you need to have the courage to demand it. Don't let anyone tell you that they will fight for you. This is your fight. 

I am not advocating exclusive rights for women. Don't deem this as a plea to be granted the same pedestal as men. This is a voice against the hypocrisy that still thrives within us. Equality is about letting women do what they wish to do without being judgmental about it. We shall have it.

Before we preach about liberating women and before we fight for equal rights, we need to embrace the notion of equality. I like pink but it's not because I am a woman. Don't be surprised if I enjoy wrestling. Don't tell me that I don't bear the strength to give up love for my dreams. Don't judge me if I succeed. Yes, that promotion was because I deserved it. Don't be skeptical if I'm comfortable in a saree, burkha or shorts. Clothes don't define me. Don't offer to carry my bag. Don't assume that you can take me home because I was walking alone at 12 am. Don't advise me to not pursue mechanical engineering. Don't tell me this is no world for women. Let me breathe. Let me be. 

What if?

The dream, the fight, the stride, the win!

What if the dream becomes a fight?

What if the fight is all you win?

What if the win prolongs your stride?

What if the destination is not what you seek?

What if you lust for an eternal ride?

What if the delight is in the brawl?

What if you yearn to savor the fall?

Preface

She loved the storm. She loved the calm after the storm. Brushing away the strand of hair covering her right eye, she thought to herself, "self discovery can be the tough". As she waited for her coffee to cool down, she kept staring at the screen of her phone. "Misha.....Misha....." Someone came running towards her, frantically calling her name and hugged her tight before she could barely recognize the face. Misha was not fond of hugs and struggled to free herself. She stood clueless while the woman in white rambled about how excited she was to meet Misha. Misha's mind drifted away as she fought to keep that smile on her face. She looked at her phone again only to find the red light beeping. She needed to charge her phone. "Selfie!". Before she could say no, she was staring at an awkward selfie of herself and the stranger. "It was nice to meet you. I need to rush". Misha left Rs 20 for the coffee on the table, lifted her bag and walked away.  She couldn't care more for a person who she failed to recognize. Many people perceived her to be rude and aggressive. But, there was more to her. 

                  
She crossed the road and jumped into the first auto she could find. "Bhaiya, Ramoji Circle?" She looked at her phone to find the low battery warning yet again. "Beep! Beep!" Her phone finally ran out of charge. "Never again", she murmured softly wiping the tear that escaped her eye. "I hate rain". She pulled the blinds of the auto.