Writing a blog after so many days makes me realize how much I have missed it. Having many topics in mind, I took time in deciding on what to write. But then it just struck me, something that has kept me furious for a long while. All the mishappening that falls on females in this so-called god's country.
Yes, I'm just a girl. I have big dreams and all I want is to be a successful doctor. Fortunately, my parents are very supportive and have always provided me with the best. Serving people have always been my perfect job. I am happy. Now, my mother's only wish left is to see her daughter get married to someone worthy. My uncle shows my parents a businessman having good family and reputation. Seeing my parents happy I'm willing to marry him. Nothing can go wrong. Nothing will be wrong.
(What should I tell my parents? How will I live with this monstrous beast? Getting whipped daily is not tolerable now. I'm my daddy's brave daughter. Enough is enough. I manage getting out of the house to buy vegetables and sneak into a telephone booth. My mom is very happy to hear my voice after such a long time. She can feel the terror, helplessness and pain in my voice. She knows I want to come back home. But instead she tells me to sort out things with my husband! I thought I was always welcome back home. To my home. Was I mistaken? What will I do? Where will I go? Wait, maybe mother is right. I should try solving disputes with my husband. Nothing is changing. It doesn't matter now. I'm used to it. Its just a routine. I can adjust. I will, always.)
Yes, I'm just a girl. I love being at home. Surely, I have the best parents who allow me to do whatever I wish. I have my 16th birthday coming. There will be party, guests, gifts. It's all so exciting. Damn I can't wait now. Soon I'll have to go away from home for my further studies. How will I stay away from my house?
(I'm never going back home. I miss my mother and my father. But no, I can't go home. What if it happens again? What if my mother doesn't hear me this time? No no I can't do this. But what do I tell my dad. He surely doesn't want his daughter to be away from home during the vacation. Not telling anyone anything at home is important, mummy says. If the elders come to know there would be disturbance in the family. But how do I forget it? Mother says I'll be blamed. I'll be responsible. But I haven't done anything wrong. How could I ever forget what my cousin has done to me? How will I ever come back home and sleep peacefully?)
Yes, I'm just a girl. It's my sister's marriage next month. The shopping is fun and all the new jewellary kept me dazzled. The best part is that my sister is very happy. It all looks like a happily ever after!
(Aunt says he is not mentally stable. But I haven't seen him even once. How did father decide this for me? Have I done something wrong? My mother says this is important or else no one will marry me. Is it because my sister's husband died in just a month after the marriage. Why is she blamed for it? How on earth can they treat her badly when she had no hand in it? But father understands this. Even mother does. Still I have to marry some guy in his 30s when I want to study more. Is reputation more important than my life?)
Yes, I'm just a girl. Afraid to go out by myself now. Not able to trust anyone. I keep wondering how at every second there would be some girl molested at school, some wife being tortured by her in-laws and husband, some mother seeing her baby girl being killed in front of her. Yes, I'm just a girl whose parents are always worried if I return back on time from tuition and classes. They are concerned if the society would suddenly push dirt on their daughter without her fault. Is there any form of government, any body of individuals, any god even who could scare this evil-minded society away from the innocent? Is there any place, be it home, school, workplace, where we can feel safe? Yes, I'm just girl, who is now not able to even ask other women about their stories, unable to go through the newspaper as every page as a story of daughter-in-law burned into ashes, 5 year old raped, son killing his mother for money and what not.
Yes, I'm just a girl. Nothing will be able to harm me now. This is a message to every female out there. No one can protect you but yourself. It's time now, when you need to show the world that the duppattas are now going to be knots to tie anyone to death if required, the knives that used to cut vegetables are sharpened to cut any hand that is pointed at you, veil are now going to turn into armours Our life and self-respect is more important than any religious belief, reputation, greed or even societal principles. It will end only when we want it to. Trust me, it has to be soon. The bangles in our hands are not hand-cuffs, and are to be removed the very moment they turn into one.
Yes, I'm just a girl. I'm proud to be one!
