The Stare
The day is Saturday. Got ready for office walking down in my
society towards office. Wearing the most casual and comfortable clothing, a
pair of denim and a cool decent T- Shirt. Our Society residential blocks are
constructed in one straight row so the main gate of society is easily visible
to the residents of even the last block. And I happen to stay in the last
one.
Instead of driving
activa today I was walking down -crossing my society to catch on of the
rickshaw piling around my society daily. I was all pepped up in Saturday mood …
humming and making my way towards the main gate. I don’t know when but I sensed
a man , rather a gentleman types man (my by default first impression) in his early 30's standing quiet a feet away with a another man looking at me.
At first I took it very casually and ignored and
concentrated on walking and saying hi hello to the society people whomsoever
crossing by my side. But as I was coming closer to the man I felt he was specifically
looking at me only .I looked back at him to confirm and I was right. My blood
rushed up and down a little faster. Still being positive I thought may
be he knows me?? Is he misunderstanding me with someone else?
Walking even closer,
His gaze grew stronger , I made a straight eye contact back with him to
embarrass him but to my shock this man's stare grew even intense and now was not
confined to my face, the pair of eyes were screening my entire body as if I am wearing
something weird. I quickly mentally checked myself if I was dressed inappropriately
(How fool we females are to find faults in ourselves first, that kahin galti se
maine to kuch galat nai na pehna?)
As I was coming closer I felt embarrassed inside but bravely continued my eye contact with him (my BP levels
going higher with each passing seconds).The moment I crossed him, I couldn’t
hold my self back and with the spirit of being a 21st century brave
women (who must not allow any male to degrade her) asked him in a strict
voice “Kya ghoor raho ho Bhaiya? Kuch
problem hai kya?”
Morning time had few people including the society watchmen,
old age ladies; teens around me all caught my attention and were curious about
my sudden outburst. The man to my surprise turned extremely soft , decent , camouflaged himself and
replied “aree madam kya ho gaya aapko? Main kahan ghoor raha hu, main toh yuhin
dekh raha tha.Sorry aapko bura laga ho toh.. and looking at others to gain sympathy further he murmured “ salla
normaly dekh bhi nai sakte .. aaj ki ladkiya kisi bhi baat ka batangad bana deti hai aur ek awaaj par bechare ladko ki band baj jati hai ”
Even though He and I both knew what his intentions were. I
was hurt and angered both at the same time on his hypocrisy manipulative
behavior and shrewdness but didn’t want to create scene which already caught
attention of people around me. No one uttered a single word in my favor instead
giving me a look as if it’s all my over reaction and gender biased
blaming. I even over heard an aunty saying “aaj kal ki ladkiyo ka dimaag
hee satve asmaan pe rehta hai" I
went totally blank and quickly caught an auto and moved towards my office.
Who are these people who say that with awareness the times
have changed. Things are better for Women now because of Women empowerment and blah blah…
There are loads of People who feel that females are not in as worst position as they portray all the time these days and this women empowerment thing has ruined their mind..India Tops in Hypocrisy is not at all a over rated statement .
Does "something wrong" with a female only means a Rape … a physical assault?
How can you catch and blame people who put you into deep embarrassment even without touching you. IS there any rule or law or punishment for that mental Assault?
A
dirty, lustful stare to a female is something still to be
considered normal and better than what used to happen earlier??
Notice. Think. Understand.
Happy Women
Empowerment to all the ladies out there.:-)
Stay Blessed! Jaya
