Oh! how she wishes | Re-written
A fortune, she couldn’t cast, unwanted, undesired, a regret she was called. An additional mouth to feed, an extra physique to cover and another human being in the world she is detested. Even the matriarch couldn’t rejoice her kind as much as the other descendant is cherished.
She is witnessed as a peculiar being, with perceptions denying her existence, persistence and overlooking her proficiency. Expressions fired at her, flames her soul making her grieve internally eternally. Striving to liberate herself, she craves to rebel, with time and courage she is ready to speak. Yet deceived by destiny, she is assigned as consort to which she didn’t have a choice to negotiate but to act accordingly.
The mattress pokes her, she has to share. With a stranger now her man, she has to accept. Her family wished her happiness and prosperity, but terror her eyes hold says otherwise. The force applied to her sister she couldn’t forget, one life has already taken she didn’t want to add herself. As a man enters the room and locks it, and proceeds to approach her, she shivers. She wishes mercy as she closes her eyes. He explains to her likewise. That he is no animal but an honourable man and love matters to him more than a forced pleasure. The respect she deserves will be provided, her vanity and dignity shall be protected and she will not be chained. Tears rolled down her eyes. She wished the intellect was designated to each humankind.
She is returning from work late at night, alone. As she walks by the empty road with a little ray of light coming from that pole. Dogs growling distinctly afar and she prays to not be attacked. A car appears from afar, gradually approaching her and stops right next to where she stands. She increases the pace of her walk, so does the car. Slowly she closes her eyes. The car’s window opens likewise. A lady in the driver’s seat greets with a warm smile, comforting the terror she is holding tight. The lady offers her a lift to the place where she belongs. A place where she feels safe is free of predators. She shows her gratitude to the saviour and wished the world a heart of gold.
As she reaches home and unlocks the door. Finds the members in the living room watching TV and discussing the series. She walks inside to find a minute of pause, she couldn’t utter a word. She pleaded not this time she couldn’t counter the question her in-laws would fire as her ménage did before. Why are you so late? Do you even care about the dignity we have in society? You will be called characterless, and will never find a groom. The subjects that shattered her confidence and made her vulnerable. She slowly closes her eyes. Her mother-in-law stands likewise, softly addresses her and tells her to freshen up. As they waited for her to return so that they could share the fair portion of the fish Mr. Husband cooked for his wife. She smiles in relief. She wished everyone a dusk alike.
The clash she is in between her motherhood and society. Inside the four walls of her mind, each proposing idea still conflicting. She fears a daughter and the consequences. And what if she has to choose one between the clan and her child if they disown her for bearing the same kind. She squeals as the physician pulls the newborn out, “it’s a girl”, he shouted. Her happiness knows no bound yet she worries, she closes her eyes and collapses. Awakened by chuckles and touches of laughter, she opens her eyes only to see the baby in the father’s arm. “I want to name her Laxmi”, he said, “She brings joy and fortune to the family”, he appends. With an assured and restored motherhood, she grins. Gazing at the infant for the first time, she wonders if everyone greets daughters likewise.
She wishes she is no more a hot topic. The people in her community, university or profession no longer objectify her. Her inclusion in a family discussion, her voice in what she believes, about her career and future, plays an important role. She is also given the same preference as her brothers and the privileges they get she wants to endure. She is celebrated the same as he accepts, upon the attainment of teamwork. The assignment, the projects and the chores she wished would be apportioned equally. Despite her earning more than her significant other, a piece of paper wouldn’t affect their relationship at any cost. She wishes a world more of a harmony, symphony where they perform and compose with the same pitch and lyrics.
