From The Quill of Suranya

I feel trapped.  In this body that consumes me, Bleeds for humanity's growth And is commercialized  As meat for pleasure.  I am caged.  In the society that binds me In the conditioning, I was taught In the resistance of my questions.  I feel suffocated. In the idea of someone in your head Of what a woman should and shouldn't be The roles you want me to play The character you want me to be.  What if I want to break free?  Express my thoughts, live my dreams Stand by my opinion, refuse your ideas?  I become tagged and assassinated,  My character questioned,  My upbringing dragged,  My identity jeopardized.  Why?  Because a woman dared to  Act  like a Man you could never be.  © Suranya

 The city was dark even in the shimmering lights, Almost like it was evening at midday. The rain poured incessantly.  Like someone cried from the skies above. She watched the crowd, Amidst the cloud and downpour, Looking frantic in joy Cheering for an idol  That was quite a lookalike. They chanted Mantras, Offered the best of fruits  Paid their respects, hands folded Yet she sighed, unimpressed. She turned her back to the crowd, Walked away from the light, Into the darkest alley Of a city that barely survives. Hungry eyes asking for help, Homes washed away, identity at stake. A teardrop blurred her Kohl-drawn eyes, As she turned again in a corner That led to an end. There stood silhouettes  Of tortured souls wailing; Grasping at her, hoping. Young, old, rich, poor, Every soul tormented by touch; She, who is Justice Stood shocked and helpless at first; Anger and agony aligned, As She knelt before them Weeping in despair, asking questions, Could she help those who...

 I AM A FEMINIST IN INDIA.  I FIGHT FOR EQUALITY,  TYPE "ME TOO" IN PROTEST.  YET EVERY NIGHT WHEN I RETURN ALONE I FEAR, MUCH IN DESPAIR,  LIKE I AM LIVING A NIGHTMARE EVERY DAY. I AM A DAUGHTER IN INDIA. THEY SAY I AM THEIR PRIDE.  YET THAT STRANGER'S DROOLING EYES  STARING THROUGH MY CLOTHES  IN A TEARING GAZE  SEEMS TO MAKE ME FEEL  LIKE FRESH MEAT INSTEAD. I AM A GIRL IN INDIA. YOUR UNCOMFORTABLE TOUCH  MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A BAG OF DIRT  YET YOU WHISPER THAT  IT'S A PLEASANT SECRET.  WHY DON'T I GET TO TELL  WHAT IT IS INSTEAD? I AM A WIFE IN INDIA.  EVERY DAY I COOK,  CLEAN AND WORK,  EVERY NIGHT I WEEP IN SILENCE SCARED,  ACCEPTING MY FATE ISN'T IN CONSENT WHILE YOU RAPE ME IN CONVENIENCE. I AM A MOTHER IN INDIA. TODAY MY SON HAS RAPED A WOMAN.  HE DIDN'T SEEM UNNERVED WHILE I WEEP,  NOT FOR HIM, I DARE TO CLEARLY CONVEY,  BUT FOR THE DAUGHTER  THEY DIDN'T LET ME KEEP...

It's so often in this society that a man's ego feeds on the dreams, desires and self-esteem of a woman. Often, a proud woman is looked upon as a potential threat by the chauvinist society. And they stop not until her dreams and desires are chained. More often, her self-confidence is broken with terms like 'too outgoing', 'too bossy', 'too modern ', and most commonly 'characterless'. Drinking, smoking, and any addiction are as bad for a man's health as for a woman's. Yet, women smoking has become a topic to talk about. More disturbingly, it is women who stand against women for men. Whereas united, a lot of exploitation can be curbed. Most women still feel they need a knight in shining armour to save them, because men make them believe it is impossible to be the knight themselves in a male-driven society. A woman with pride thus often hurts Male Egos. ~ Suranya

History is proof that  Every time you insult Her  The Fire in her destroys you  And the Storm in her Destroys your society. - Suranya

"Don't go out alone." "Don't wear that dress." "Don't come late." She was raped. In front of a guy friend. In a Salwar. One Evening. Teach them not to rape. Not us to fear them. ~ Suranya They say justice can come late. But it is always served. We hope so too. We won't forget you, Nirbhaya. Neither will we forgive such animals who make us fear darkness, lonely lanes and wearing our choices. We won't forget and forgive those who make our parents worry if we are even a little late. We won't call them men who don't treat a woman as a respected equal. Those who never know the word consent. We won't forgive those parents who don't teach their 'ghar ka chirag' the right way to treat women inside and outside the house. "Woh toh ladka hai" ... Ha, ladka hai Bhagwan nahi! Change starts from Home. Hoping to see justice served soon.