THE SLEEPING LIONESS
I have witnessed it. The dark side of men. The look on their faces and the way they stare.
Shivers from my spine breaks my confidence and my will to do what I can. I am afraid to walk alone, to walk amidst men in the “Manly world”. How do I just stand back leaving those whom I care to suffer? How do I stop working? My mother is ill and my father a frame on the wall. I have to leave the safety of my room, and like a gazelle, I run from one place to another. I fear. What if a beast, a monster catches my odor? What if he chases me? Where will I go? What will I do?
Every day is the same. Every day I am harassed. If not physically, I am assaulted mentally. The scorching criticism when I return late from work. All the whispering and the unbearable hypocrites pounding on me as if I am a criminal. We are asked to travel home along with a male colleague to be protected from thugs and freaks. What if he is one of them too? But that’s a different story.
When I am dropped home by a colleague, which is quite often, the taunts and rumors find a new direction. The onlookers start calling out names. They question my character. They burn my name. And if that’s not enough I am thrown out of my home, to find a new place for my actions were of shame.
All the sneaky eyes are trying to take a glimpse, maybe through their phones or perhaps those times when I am alone. Every time they look at me, it’s like I am being undressed.
“Throw away the jeans and shirts and t-shirts. Wear a Saree. Wear a burka”, they ordered. They-the wise, witty men.
Even after I obeyed their command. They gazed like I was nude and ready to be eaten. Assaulted, groped every day. Touched and felt every second. I am drowning in this world of men. Yes, I am liberated. Yes, I am worshiped. Yes, I am free and uplifted. Yes, I am a victim. Yes, I am a slave.
But not anymore. No! NOT. ANYMORE.
I have found my way. I am stronger now. I am brave. I will fight. I don’t need a man to protect me. I will wear what I wish. And when I see those devils trying to sneak in on me, I will be prepared. I will look back at them. Eye to eye. I will fight back. I am going to take a stand. I am not going to cry anymore. I am not going to suffer anymore. I will bring them forth to light from the darkness where they hide. I will show the world the power I behold. I will fight. I will come out stronger.
It is time you freaks fear me. It is time you bow your head when you look at me. I have taken a stand. To be me and not care anymore about what you and your filthy brain think of me. I will chase you down. From a gazelle, I have transformed into a lioness. I am more fierce now.
Run! Run! Run!
Run away, you cowards. The world stands with me. You are alone. Let me be. Dare you come near. Dare you touch me. You will face your doom.
It’s time women show you what they can do.