The Stare

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 21^st 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