🇮🇳 शुक्राचार्य • Shukracharya

Shalini was a staunch feminist. She married Arun 4 years ago. She had a few conditions - nobody will question her choices, nobody will interfere in her life, she will work & earn, she will wear whatever she wants, etc. Arun was also a feminist. He believed in - her life, her choice. So, he readily agreed. After they got married, one day Shalini was leaving for a club party at 11 pm. She told Arun. Arun said, ok. He didn't ask where she is going. He didn't ask who is meeting. He didn't ask when she will return. Shalini stayed out till 4 am. Arun was asleep. When she returned he didn’t ask anything. He just opened the door, said, love you, and went back to sleep. After a few months, Shalini got a better job offer in another city. She told Arun. Arun congratulated her, wished her good luck and said he is happy for her. He didn't ask which company, which city, how is she going to manage, does she even want to go, nothing. Anyway, she relocated to the new city, took the new job. Arun told her he will find a new job in her city and relocate. One day, Shalini had a minor accident. She called Arun and told him. Arun replied - you are a strong, independent woman. You will handle it. Don't worry. After 4 years of marriage, Shalini now wonders if she wants Arun to treat her like a strong, independent woman or a protected, looked out for woman. She was very clear that she didn't want interference, but now she has started to look at zero interference as total indifference and that bothers her. Shalini is confused. And so are many other women like her. Feminism has confused them. The social dynamic pressurises them to take on the role of strong, independent woman. But the heart desires, what the heart desires. A 400 year old movement can't diminish the million year old evolutionary need of a woman to be looked after and cared for by her man. Many women perhaps want both, but they won't say it outright.