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 curing itself with a posit

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