Storizen March 2018 Holi Special Issue Holi 2018 Special Issue | Page 30

STORIZEN CONTRIBUTE
repulsive feeling by their dirty
touches to this woman would pick up
the bucket of cold water. The woman
would almost be running to save
herself from the water being poured
over her head.  But these Holi men
would always be more powerful. They
wouldn't let go of the hapless woman
at all. They would pour the bucket
over her head making her saree cling
to her curves. It certainly gave the
requisite high to these men.
Avantika hated this scene which got
repeated in front of her hidden eyes
each year. What a society is this?
Woman is being objectified openly
and no one is opposing. The mother
in law of this woman would be
serving gujiyas and papads to all the
reveling gang of male friends of her
son. She would be even blessing each
of them as they would bend down to
touch her feet after visibly molesting
her daughter in law in front of her!
Avantika grew up and got married in
a house in Lucknow. It was her first
Holi. She locked herself in the
bathroom lest her brother in law tries
to do some silly stunt with her. Her
husband got very angry at Avantika’s
behavior. He raised his voice.
Avantika explained in brief about her
fears from her childhood exposure.
Her husband further growled and
said that they belong to a cultured
family and no one does that
disrespect to the ladies of his house.
Somehow she got convinced and
came out dressed up in a very thick
fabric salwaar kurta, which had a
high neck and full sleeves.
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She went out and stood like a statue.
She decided she won't put colour on
anyone; nor run around in wet
clothes; and certainly won't wrestle
so as to excite or aggravate the males
that they launch a full frontal attack
on her.
She stood next to her husband and
waited for the brother in law to come
and apply colour. Her brother in law
entered along with few of his friends.
A fear gripped Avantika’s heart
recalling the ugliness of Holi
celebration in Uttar Pradesh.
She however kept a strict no
nonsense face. And she announced
to no one in particular that anyone
who wants to apply colour on her
face is most  welcome. With that she
stood jutting out her face. It actually
killed the building excitement
amongst the boys. Men love to
conquer and she didn't want that.
One boy came and rubbed his palms
on her cheeks. She didn't breathe for
those seconds. Another boy too did
the same. When there was no
reaction from her side, it didn't excite
the players. She continued to play
mute. The scene was very dull. Her
brother in law even asked her to
apply colour on the boys faces but
she kept standing motionless and
expressionless.
And then for some action or drama
her husband came forward and held
one of the tall boy's  arms from
behind and shouted at Avantika, that
she should now apply some colour on
this boy's face. Avantika stood still.