Aswini Ashok

         Being a feminist in a society like India is like being one step away from landing in Jail. It is not just about dealing with jerks on a regular basis but controlling the urge to punch them right away. All my life I have been a feminist, knowingly or unknowingly. During my early years, I used to loathe the word ‘feminist’ believing it is indeed a problematic word to describe equality. I championed myself as anyone who battles for equality but feminist. Don’t blame me yaar. Even Indira Gandhi and Mamata Banerjee too refused to be referred to as feminists. Probably, now I have missed the chance to associate myself with them with my profound knowledge of understanding feminism is of course equality. Even with that understanding, I was a closet feminist for the next stages in my life. I have always believed that inequalities will die a natural death if we don’t acknowledge it and just mind our business believing there is no inequality. Just like Cancer cu...

Avni rolled on her bed, fighting to sleep, discarding the memories of the day for the umpteenth time. Sleep was a thousand miles away. She could not fathom the logic behind Ansh’s behaviour earlier that day. Avni recollected what just transpired between her and Ansh a few hours back. Ansh: I am allowing you to be with your friends however and wherever you wish, but, not allowing you go to this party late at night that too in Delhi. Avni: Excuse me! What do you think you are? Keep your ‘allowing’ business with yourself. I am neither asking your permission nor assistance. I just informed my plans out of habit. Don’t you dare come up with this allowing business anymore! By this time, both were fuming with rage. Ansh: But don’t you remember I am your fiancé. Avni: Yes. I remember very well, which is why I am trying to keep my temper. But that doesn’t mean I am letting you decide my life on my behalf. You may give your suggestions, but, I warn you your ‘allowing’ di...