CHAPTER FOUR / TIME

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         DAYS PASSED. Months passed and so is the years. It's funny how time holds a firm grip on everything surrounding us. An ultimate never - ending power.

        How it brings small changes within us or any inanimate thing in particular. From seasons to places to people hearts. Time makes us a kind of slaves under its dominance.

       The fluttering of greenish yellow leaves interchanged its colour into orange brown. The dry summer wind was replaced by cool, chilly breeze of early winter. Making the days little grey with brightness of soft sun in the sky. I, on the other hand was standing where I used to. Unbreakable, inexorable and unchanged.

      College studies was going pretty much well, along with, alternating tutoring at Mili's house in the evening. The small amount of money which I earned from there goes to the fund of our project 'Fem PCOS', that's what we named it, maintaining services and supplies for the campaign.

      Before I begin, I felt it quite necessary to inform you all, that chupkar working on this routine wasn't easy. I was caught red handed by my brother. Apparently we ( Mili and I) were riding motorbike for visiting some distant people at last stretch of town. Taxis or any public transport were not available there. Adding another level of complications in our plan. Afterwards I, myself blackmailed him through his secret addiction of smoking cigarettes to not inform anyone in the house about my work. Though convincing him was like teaching projectile motion to a biology student.

Did i just said that? Yes i did, no offence

        An another set of those dangerous encounter was when ma asked why my cellphone is ringing almost whole day I swear, this statement was enough to make her suspicious. Seeing that I am free most of the time, Mili handed me the work of Advertising and Communication. Now, taking calls and such was like burning your finger in a barbecue party. You need to be cautious so that, no one is listening to your conversation and make two and two together whilst exposing your sneaky plan resulting whole drama.

      "Aasha... Is everything alright? Why aren't you eating your pav bhaji?" Maheen asked, frowning in concern. Taking a spoonful of bhaji in her mouth simultaneously.

    "Uh.. No, it is tasty and everything is fine. Why did you asked this?" I replied confusingly. Glancing at the watch latched at my wrist, I started stuffing lunch hurriedly.

     "It just, you seem in your thoughts and your face was turning dull, all of sudden. Wait─Is it related to our recent project, silly?" She pushed, giggling at condition of our, incompleted or I could untouched group project.

        Maheen and I become friends last summer, we both share same college and luckily same project. You must have witnessed sometime that when you meet certain person, you feel an instant connection, like you both are long lost friend. The type of relation suddenly clicks and flourishing a new bond. Like a fossil mold to its cast. Made for one another.

      "No, I was praying, my parents doesn't sense about this campaign and my sudden absence in evening everyday" I replied, smiling at my misery.

"Oh.. Don't stress much. Even if they'll find out, it is not something bad that you will find trouble confronting"

        Pondering over her words. I nodded. It's true that in the path of  making change, problems and other difficulties will arrive. Because, taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.

     We prefer living in our own shell, somehow cracking old beliefs and stigma is reflected as bad at first but eventually people accept it accordingly. All they need is a new leader to lead the way.

***

        The evening sun cast long shadows on the ground. The slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky. A wintry wind swept across the bagicha stirring banyan leaves into gentle slumber. The chattering of small sparrows, pigeon and other lovely creatures came to halt like dusky day. The pleasant smell of winter chill started grazing the meeting assembled at the moment under the banyan tree.

    Assemblage for discussing and spreading awareness about the disorder. It was new set of women today, residing in nearby villages.

      "Namaskar, to all girls, women and my sisters. Today we all have gathered to talk about major issues and preventing measures of PCOS or mahsik dharm. We all know now even now, conversations about period health are in whispers or behind closed doors; as a result, the symptoms often do not get the attention they need. The environment of stigma and shame around menstruation discourages women to freely discuss these issues, with their own mother, let alone to doctors. Incase of this disorder, irregular periods and improper nutrition abd other mild symptoms are serious concern..... "

       And the evening discussions and meeting went like this for another good two hours. We distributed small sheets of pamphlets and free of cost sanitary napkins to women. Asked them to spread this information as much as they possibly can.

      I was packing our belongings into the backpack, when an old woman with sweet and wrinkled face approached me. Smiling at her, I helped her to sit with me on the concrete bench in the corner.

      "You're doing great job beti. After listening to your speech, I understood now that I faced similar disorder in my teen year. But due to lack of knowledge, It was unknown to me. Afterwards I discovered that I can never give birth because it was late to stop this disease. Many other girls like me must be aware of this term. Thank you very much for doing this. Your mom must be proud of you and your dedication." She replied gently, a line of tears pooled into her eyes showing her inner pain and joy at the same time.

Stroking my cheeks calmly, she kissed my forehead and bidded goodbye, giving me a hope of courage and confidence.

A sense of happiness evaded my heart. These amorous gestures and loving motivating words giving me the fuel to do more. Because, I have got a lot dreams to accomplish at the end of the day.

~*~

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special thanks to mia  melonsforyou      for making gorgeous covers for this book, applied above ♡

GLOSSARY

chupkar: sneakily

pav bhaji:  a indian fast food dish consisting of a thick vegetable curry served with a soft bread roll

bagicha: small garden

namaskar: greeting in hindi

mashik dharm: monthly periods or menstruation

beti: daughter (in hindi) a loving way to address a girl