Being a girl-2

(continued)

9th std., where we were being polished and gearing up for the next "important" year of our life..Glimpses of friends getting into "first-relationships." By now, even started developing a certain manner of talking and interacting, especially with friends of the opposite gender. It wasn't the usual "jumping hyper" response that were given out! It became more subtle. Being taught how to cook for the first time, lessons given by mum on how to behave when guests come at home. Dealing with problems on monthly basis.! These were changes that took place over a period of time, yet went unnoticed. After completing of 10th, whenever there were talks on what career to choose, I would always be advised on choosing something, that would be flexible so that I could adjust with new priorities, in future. Those priorities, whose name was also yet unknown. Sometimes, I wonder...will that "priority" also be getting similar advice or instead, would be encouraged on doing what he likes to do!

Forwarding a li'l more, the first time I travelled alone by public transport, the first day of junior college. Usually, there used to always be someone accompanying, but the day I first time took a train, I still remember, my dad's 45 mins advise on "HOW TO TRAVEL IN MUMBAI"...and that too for a mere 10mins journey!! Right from how to buy a ticket, to taking care of the belongings, I was told everything...and the conversation went on till I reached the college safe!!

But, the lesson wasn't over yet! I had just learnt how to buy a ticket, board and get down the train...the main lesson was yet to come! Over the days, I learnt about staying alert as to the kind of people around me, ignoring crooks who sat on the platform and whistled, turn away when any man looks at you, carrying chilli powder and pen-knife, just in case!

I also recollect the first time, we girl-friends went out....out of our locality, alone, for the first time! Convincing parents, interrogation about who and all are coming, giving contact details of ALL the girls in the group...huff!! And finally, after getting a "yes" calling up and asking "Mummy ne haa bola...accha tu kya pehenrahi hai?" (Mummy told yes, what are you wearing anyways!) :P ;) :D

Such incidents happen only once in life! I call them "First-time experiences!".

No, it isn't that parents don't care where we go after we have grown but the hidden anxiety and care all those calls were filled with, which were irritating then, I somehow miss them now!!

I end here, for now...but before that all you girls reading this, I hope you've realized how special you were and are, maybe not for your boyfriends, but definitely for that Dad, who stayed up at night and changed your diapers when your mum was tired and asleep, who listened to all your annoying poems, who carried you every evening, home, when you stretched your hands up! You are special for that Mom, who sees her reflection in you and plays the role of a ''hidden lover"....who's ultimate goal in life is to get you married off to a guy and see you settled in life! :)

You must know, you are special...you deserve to be!

P.S: I apologize to the guys, that they do not have much to read...but then too...I hope there was something you liked! :)

Till then, have fun!

Regards,

Rithika

Being a girl-1

It was one of those days in class, when the teacher was taking rounds to see how many students had brought their notebooks. (God alone knows, what struck him that day, to do so!) For the boys, it was a whack and for the girls, it was just a "don't do it again look". I was one amongst, the girls who did not have their book! And, just as we heard, the boy behind us shouting "Ouch!", one of my friends whispered-"Aren't we lucky to be a girl? Soo many advantages naa? for example this one!" The teacher was anyways on a "whacking session", so I let my mind wander off, and started wondering how is it actually to be a girl...!!

I rewind to the time of my birth, my dad would have been the most happiest person on planet earth! He wanted a girl, and there I was smiling, with huge eyes!! My dad till date, becomes emotional when he speaks about it, and believe me...you feel extremely happy that atleast someone is happy that you were born! As far as mum was concerned, I was her "doll" apparently! She used to love dressing me up...! I guess, this "make up-ing" habit, is hereditary in girls! (We usually, dont prefer to be the one, "making-up" though!)

I don't remember too much about my childhood...But I guess, all the above holds true for most the girls, no matter how old they grow, aint it?

Okay, fast forwarding a li'l more, I remember the first time I got a doll..though I wasn't too fond of pinky-toys, I had just one doll (not Barbie, for sure!) and a soft toy...which were my favorite...I din't need anything else....!!

Later, came the kitchen set...

And then few years later...something which still holds on to me...

I vividly remember those days...When I was about 7-9 years old...the "dupatta" that we used to wear, with salwaar-kameez became one of my most preferred and favorite "toy". I used to love wrapping it around me, sometimes like a saree, used to love it when it used to fly in the air (just like Bollywood films!!). I used to love it even more when it used to fall over my face, and then gently glide down...!!! :)

Then we entered secondary section. We had grown up...atleast from what we were...started using a PEN for the first time!! I know, it sounds silly, but I still remember the first day of 5th std., when used a blue gel pen for the first time...and it leaked...spoiling the entire FIRST PAGE of my new notebook!:(

6 and 7th std. too passed by and I don't even remember much of it.

8th std. bought about many changes....Physical, emotional and biological...First crush...Friendship with seniors...Partcipation in more events, than before! Formation of "girl gangs"....Getting to know people, who I did not know even existed! Birthday party's venue changed from home to McDonalds...!!!

First vibes of "As a grown-up girl, you should/should not..."

Those days, I never understood why...but later on....things changed!! even more than I expected and wanted 'em too...

(to be continued)