Will she ever be free?

Suman Agrawal

R ELAX pa, they played good.’ ‘But they could have played better. How often do you get a chance to take women’s cricket to new heights?’ he exclaimed, throwing the remote on the nearby sofa.

I felt delighted! Not because of the loss we faced as a team, but because of the love and respect we earned, enough for making someone upset if we lose.

 I was just leaving home after the emotional outburst when I grabbed my father’s attention and he told me — did not ask — to come home before it got dark.

 I walked out without arguing, but my pace got slower and the head heavier.

His one command gave birth to myriad unanswered questions which will not be answered, this time too.

Why am I supposed to restrict myself at home when the night sky embedded with countless sparkling stars feels equally beautiful to both me and my brother?

 Why am I pressured to apply layers of face mask on my face if I want a good partner, but the boy is not taught that there is more to a girl than the colour of her skin?

 Why am I termed as a cold and unconcerned human if I dedicate my life to work, and he, an ultimate hardworker, with a sizzling meal served before him every night as soon as he reaches home?

Why am I looked with judging eyes if, once in a while, when I choose to flaunt my long legs and sassy curves with a body hugging dress, but he gets rated high when he posts a semi-naked picture after a gym session?

 Why am I reminded in quick succession to sit with my legs crossed, with only sophisticated words coming out of my mouth because my posture and tongue accentuates my feminity, but he can snap someone’s neck with ease combined with nasty slangs?

I know, believe me, I do... I know, not every person is the same. But you have to agree, the sane ones are few. By drawing a line between what is and what is not to be done, by telling me the most efficient way to live my own life, by making me sacrifice for my brother’s or husband’s pride — terms like equality, parity and freedom are sabotaged by a society which is made of you.

It is more complex than it is made out to be. I know, I know being a girl is not a curse. But then, let me ask, is it a virtue too? 

Will I have an answer?