Why can’t I
sit ‘there’ during my periods?
Why can’t I
wear sleeveless tops and jeans?
Why can’t I
swear when that bhadrolok* gently touches me?
Why can’t I
smoke without scornful eyes turning back scornfully towards me?
Why can’t I
retain my chastity even after that bastard rapes me?
Why can’t I
walk out of the marriage without indifferent fingers pointing towards me?
Why can’t I
just me ‘me’ without having feminist or chauvinist tags attached to me?
And, finally,
Why can’t I
have you answering me?

Now can’t I
smear kohl and walk out?
Now can’t I
be the wife in a marriage?
Now can’t I
walk without worrying about my ‘feminine’ gait?
Now can’t I
not be “tall, dark and handsome”?
Now can’t I
cry as much as my heart weeps?
Now can’t I
play with kitchenware instead of guns?
Now can’t I
avail the ‘Ladies’ seat?
And, finally,
Now can’t I
have you taking me seriously?

*bhadralok: gentleman

(Topic: Who are you without your name)

Sign In to know Author