Every morning, I wake up and go for a run. When I am running, people notice neither my front, nor my back. It’s rather hard to imagine someone would even do that. When I do Surya Namaskar, I do not have to worry about my clothes shifting from their usual position, to leave certain body parts exposed.
When I go to work (and that also includes sitting in a cafe), and someone approaches me, I don’t feel that the person is hoping to get laid. That their concern is artificial. Therefore, when they show their concern, I know they are genuinely interested, which makes me happy. Imagine, I had doubted the intention of every man, who talked to me, or even texted me?
I travel, like most of you. And quite often, I use public transport. Each time, I get a unique, insightful perspective; and, to me, it remains the best form of learning. Despite all the inconveniences I face in our damaged public transport system, it is still doable, because… no one tries to molest me, or sticks his erected penis against my arse. Imagine, if someone (or many) did…
I have a habit of going to strange places. Exploring new villages and neighbourhoods is one of the many things that make me smile. But sometimes, and just sometimes, I get into awkward situations too. In some cases, where people find me suspiciously strange, they start staring at me, and even share some vile words. In such a scenario, I lose my ability to think. I become a different (or rather indifferent) person. Imagine, if it happened on a daily basis?
I have a terrible sense of dressing. But fortunately, no one (and trust me, no one in this entire world) seems to discuss it. A week ago, I had an altercation with a shopkeeper, who suggested that women should not wear short clothes. Incidentally, I was wearing shorts at that time, but he did not seem to mind it. The next thing I remember, it was raining. God, I love rains. And I love getting drenched. Once again, no one was interested in ogling my body through the wet t-shirt.
Some people say, I have an unusual lifestyle. Perhaps because, I cherish my freedom. I remember, when I was growing up, no one told me to behave in a certain way. No one warned me that I needed to find a good spouse, and be accepted by my future in-laws. No one tried to scare me that if I did not dress up in a particular way, or stayed outside during particular hours, I would be harmed. No one told me to compromise on freedom, because it was the fate of my gender.
In the next few years, I had to make some difficult choices. The one about the career too. And each time, I was able to make those difficult choices, because I believed in myself. I believed in myself, because no one really interfered in my business. My freedom was never suppressed. What if they had? It would have been different. I might have been different, and not for good.
Now, imagine, if I were a woman?
Deepak Rana 