A Dialogue of Change

A DIALOGUE OF CHANGE

Her eyes blazed brighter than the fire reflecting through them, when she looked at him in discontent, as they sat before the fireplace. ‘What is this? Why should I keep quiet? Everyone has the right to speak. Just because I am a female, I am not allowed to speak. Why is this stupid thinking always imposed on me? On us! Females!’ she fumed with anger. ‘It has always been the case. Keep quiet! Keep quiet! Keep quiet... Huh! I won’t listen! I will discard their order! In fact, the entire patriarchal system should be rejected.’ she stated outrageously.

‘Rejection is no solution my dear!’ he said with a tranquil demeanour. ‘We live in a society with which we have to keep pace.’

‘So? What do you mean?’

‘So, my darling, it’s very simple. You can’t defy! But, sure you can deploy!’ She looked at him in bafflement as he explained further, ‘I agree it frustrates you to the core. I might not ever completely understand the level of distress that you go through every day, facing such restrictions. But the way you want to change this situation is not going to help but only offend you deeper. If only you want to bring a change. Begin with yourself. Begin with your little one.’

‘And how could that better the society?’ her voice calming down.

‘It takes drop by drop to fill a pitcher! It’s a belief that my mother imbibed in me since childhood, as she explained me the meaning of uniqueness.’

‘Now where does uniqueness come from? The issue is about gender inequality!’ she said, beginning to get annoyed again.

But, he pacified her, as he continued, ‘That is exactly what she made me to understand. Men and women were never equal, because they were always different and unique. The issue has never been about inequality, but about the inability to accept the uniqueness and the differences that exist within each individual. Females not receiving certain rights that come very easy to males is something absolutely unjustified, but only a manifestation of non-acceptance of differences. The idea is very simple-respect anyone and everyone as they are. Every individual and every gender has its own role to play, its own qualities and flaws, and our job is to accept them as they are.’

‘Hmm... I also somewhere believe that we don’t have to see a male and a female through the same lens. Rather appreciate their unique existence. But the society doesn’t understand this.’ Her voice lowered with a tone of sadness.

He put his palm on her belly and said, ‘Don’t worry about the destination, just begin from here. We will spread this aura to our child and he/she shall take it forward!’

The corner of her lips grew wider and wider as she blushed deeper and says ‘How do you always do this? How do you always understand me, make it simple for me and make it easier for me to handle?’

‘...because mom always said that equality never goes hand in hand with uniqueness, but it does apply for one thing, respecting every individual and their rights equally.’

‘...and you have truly lived up to that. You will be a great inspiration to our child. Thank you.’ She hugged him expressing her gratitude.

He smiled with contentment and said ‘My pleasure, Miss! Now let’s get ready, or we’ll be late for the appointment.’

Vrishti Kapoor is part of Safecity's Writers Movement.Shedefines herself as someone with firm views and values. Shebelieves that a pen and a paper are the best tools to touch a heart, bring a smile, move the souls, and change the world, which she aims to keep doing forever.