I hail from a typical conservative Marwari family. If you do not know how to tie a saree or how to cook you are a loser. But if you are well-read and can speak good English, mind you, you are a dominating spoilt brat. I am not blaming my family or its values. I am not blaming even society. I am only blaming the mindset of a few people I know.

My husband and I often visit my in-laws who live about 487 Km from the city where I currently reside in. After having traveled for about 6 hours in the trains (you know how it is) and having traveled in the local auto on those bumpy roads we reach that SWEET HOME. My husband is given breakfast and tea whereas I am supposed to immediately get into the bath and get myself cleaned. Because I am the daughter-in-law. And I am supposed to follow rules. Yes, I am more qualified than my partner and he is proud of it. Seriously.

My dear father invested a lot of money in my marriage. Yes, he did. But being a smart businessman he invested a good deal in my education as well. He made sure I graduated from one of the most prestigious colleges in the city. I also am a postgraduate in Finance and Banking. But since I am a woman I have to compromise and wake up early in the morning and cook for my husband and look after him.

I deal with shit and shitty people. It is a tedious task indeed. I know a lot of literate idiots as well. Some of them are my relatives. I belong to a society where if a girl is born it is sad. I know a woman closely related to me who does not have a daughter herself but feels pity for whoever gives birth to a baby girl. And this lady is quite educated.

A few months ago a relative of mine gave birth to a baby girl. Is this not great news! But I heard this wow woman saying and I quote, "Don't be sad. Try for a boy next time. What can be done now?" I pitied her thinking.

We hear a lot of debates that clearly say that women today are not only equal to men but are more forward and developed. Right! Are we sure because these developed women are getting raped almost every day because of their broad-mindedness and out-of-the-box thinking?

To be continued...