Prakriti never thought in her wildest dreams that a day would come, when she would have to fight with the people she loved and respected the most. Prakriti has been a dotting wife ever since she married Suresh. Her life revolved around Mamma, Suresh and her two adorable daughters. Mamma, being a hard taskmaster, Prakriti had a hard time convincing her for any damn thing in her early marriage days. “Dear Praku…
Please don’t do any such thing, by which Mamma would be hurt. Whatever you wish, I will make sure, you get it. But do take care of Mamma……………. She is a very emotional person. After Bappa’s demise she has toiled day and night for me and Sneha Di. She should be happy for rest of her life.” It’s been fifteen years, since Prakriti stepped into Mishra household, but she still can’t get over these words of Suresh.
She has always made that extra effort in keeping Mamma happy and gradually Mamma too has started liking her. Whenever there were any issues related to Mamma, she didn’t mind discussing with Suresh and Suresh would suggest something which would be acceptable to both parties. But today it’s a different story altogether.
Suresh has been hesitant discussing this grave topic with his Mother and Prakriti seems to be in a fix. “When you have done this all, why do you want to change rules for your daughter, Praku?” Suresh seemed curious. “No doubt, I have done it all! but I don’t want my darling daughter to go through all this. When you boys shave your beard or mustache, nobody asks you to take bath.
Then why my daughter has to take bath in odd hours only because she has got her periods?” Prakriti’s stern answer took Suresh by surprise. He held her hand and said, “Please be calm! just forget what you said now. Please don’t repeat this In front of Mamma, you have no idea as to how she is going to react.” “You always say this Suresh! this time I am not going to listen to you.” Prakriti said with a frowning face.
Prachi went into puberty few months back and Mamma had explained her the rules, that she needs to take complete head shower and bath once she has her cycle. She shouldn’t be touching any stuff without this cleaning process. Prakriti knew how delicate her daughter was, shower at odd hours would definitely make her unwell. On top of it she didn’t want her darling’s life to be governed by same age-old dictating customs, which she has been part of all through her life.
Immersed in these thoughts, Prakriti went to the kitchen to prepare afternoon tea. “Praku, the weather doesn’t seem good today. It’s so cold outside, hopefully tea will give me some respite.” Mamma said, while making herself comfortable in the dining chair.
“ It’s right time to discuss about Prachi with Mamma……………” Prakriti blabbered in her
mind and went straight to the dining table and sat on the chair opposite to Mamma’s.
“Yeah!! nowadays it’s so cold outside…………….” Prakriti took a pause and continued “In
changing weather it becomes so difficult at times. You know how delicate Prachi is
Mamma………. it’s all new for her. Last month she got her periods in the evening and
adhering to your order, she went and took bath. She caught cold and was unwell for next
two days.
If every month this continues, I wonder how is she going to cope up with the same
? Please Mamma, try to understand ………………..”
“Is Prachi the only girl in this world who is going through this? Haven’t we all faced this?
These are her initial days, so she is getting nervous, later she will be used to it. Mark my
words…………….” Mamma, was serious.
Prakriti was about to continue, when Mamma interrupted her, “What’s for Dinner, Praku?”
Prakriti was heartbroken and she didn’t know how to react. It was becoming increasingly
difficult for her to convince Mamma and with each passing day her patience was going for a
toss. Everyday she would try to convince Suresh’s mom but all her efforts would fall flat.
Finally, after a month, the moment came which Prakriti has been dreading all through. It
was 10 Pm and Prachi was hurrying to the bathroom to take shower. Prakriti took a second
to guess and in a fierce tone said “You don’t have to do this, Prachi…………………………….”
Prachi was stunned and she looked at her mom with curious eyes. Prakriti caught hold of
Prachi’s hand and walked straight to the kitchen. She took a kitchen knife and went to the
living area where Mamma and Suresh were watching TV.
“What happened Prakriti? “Suresh exclaimed, the moment he saw the mother daughter duo.
Prakriti took out the knife and made a small cut on her finger.
“What are you up to, Praku……………?” Mamma and Suresh screamed at the top of their
voice.
“Don’t worry, I am not hurting myself. Just tell me if I need to take bath, as blood is oozing
out from my finger” Prakriti was unsmiling and stern.
“This lady has lost it……………………” Mamma began to blabber.
“When there’s a cut in our body part and we bleed, no body tells us to take bath, then when
vagina bleeds why such restrictions? It’s a physiological process that every woman passes
through. A normal biological occurrence and we all need to understand this. I never wanted
to abide by these customs, but my parents forced me to do so. I am not like them; I won’t
force Prachi to follow these silly practices ……………….” Prakriti was vocal and Prachi
sneaked close to her Mom.
Suresh ran to get a first aid box and Mamma looked puzzled. Prakriti realized her mistake
and apologized to Mamma and Suresh. She turned her back and was about to go, when
Mamma said,
“Do whatever you want to! I told my kids whatever I felt was right. But Prachi is your kid,
hence advise her accordingly” Prakriti couldn’t believe what she heard. She knew, Mamma
would never consent to her request, but at least she indirectly has given her the
responsibility to shape her daughter’s growing up years and she couldn’t have been
happier.
Till date in many Indian homes, girls are asked to take shower the moment they have their
periods. Some are not allowed to cook or touch their spouse. When boys don’t have to
adhere to any such strict norms when they shave their beard or mustache, why we girls are
always at the receiving end? It’s time we all need to be brave and take a stand like Prakriti.
This women’s day, let’s rise, shine and empower our tribe…………………
