Stark Reality

Gazing out of the window, at the thousand lights mosque, a sudden gust of wind, carrying with it infitismal dust particles begins to rise, seeping through the bars on which my arm rests, forcing me to turn away from the sand storm and observe the proceedings that are happening within the bus.

Seated in the 27D, around the peak noon hours, one can only hope and pray that they will not be the chosen one for the day. I thank my lucky stars for having gotten a seat. tomorrow I may not be so lucky.

The horrendous moves begin once again, and all the girls standing, move closer to the seats. The whistling soon begins. The once semi-full bus becomes packed with a bunch of hooting lads whose senile pleasure is to pick on and molest girls. speaking from the heart, and as a girl, I can confidently say I've been there, experienced that.

Today, the victim is a modest, half-sari clad 20 odd year old, who grasps onto her books with dear life. somewhere at the back I can hear the conductor shooing the girls in, away from the heartless creatures. Usually you would think these guys would want to stick to the footboard, show casing to the world, their ability to hang from the bottom most step with only one finger curled around the window, the rest of their body exposed and jutting out for all to see and pray for, on the contrary, the trend has changed, entertainment is now sought out from the interiors.

In no time the movie has begun, only this time it is stark reality and all the onlookers remain passive and unmoving as they watch the grotesque scenes in silence.The sinister group close in on this girl. My heart stops for a moment as an alien hand rests on her stomach, she removes it instantly, which is followed by sneering and jeering. The other girls standing, move as far away as possible. With every jerk, at every speed breaker, they take the opportunity to fall on the girl, let alone brush against her. Her face screams that she is being violated. The people around, mothers, fathers still remain solemn, silent. Do something!! I ask the girl to sit on my lap, she refuses humbly. Within minutes, the comments and remarks make her reconsider my offer and she takes it. The dissapointed group move on to pick on another helpless soul.

How long are we expected to put up with this attrocity? Is it such a sin to be born a girl? It is impossible to retaliate in such situations, there is always the fear of being followed and further molested. If the audience watching the scenes don't have the courage and strength to stop these acts then how do you expect the victim to speak up for herself with no fear? Is this what society stands for? Public transport is a risk we take every day.

My only plea, and I know I stand up for the thousands of girls who walk through this nightmare day in and day out, is, please DO SOMETHING. Restore our self dignity, for now it is simply being carried and tossed around with the infitismal dust particles.