Feminist until married? Sorry, people I will continue to be one even after the wedding

I was always told that my views would change once I got married. Photo Courtesy: YouTube/ KevilinoGaming

A couple of years ago, I had come across this quote: "Communist until you get rich, feminist until you get married, atheist until the airplane starts falling."

I loved the thought behind it, but feminist until you get married kind of stuck with me. And why not, while growing up whenever I got into a debate with the females of my household over gender roles, I was always told that my views would change once I got married.

Sab badal jate hai, they would often say. And with that my resolve to not comprise with my principles grew even stronger. Come what may, I will never turn into a docile wife, I would keep promising myself.

In fact, I would often stumble upon situations, which used to make my blood boil. I clearly remember an incident from my childhood, when I visited the house of a family friend.

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The bahu had just come back home after a long, tiring day at work and she looked exhausted. Yet, she was forced to cook a humongous meal for a large family and guests.

I am not against women cooking, obviously. But, why does the entire responsibility of a house fall on the woman alone? What about shared responsibilities? The sight of the poor woman made me vow that I would never get married.

Well, but those were childish dreams.

Cut to 2017, with just less than a month left for wedding, the long suppressed sentiments have sort of resurfaced. And you know what makes it worse? The diaries of grieved married woman that I come across on a daily basis on the Internet.

Tales of young fiery woman, who married the love of their lives but were forced into submission upon tying the knot. Professionals, who had to bid adieu to flourishing careers to take care of their homes.

Will I turn into them once I get married? Will I accept every whim and fancy of my husband as my duty? The answer to all these questions is a big NO.

Yes, life does change when you get hitched. Responsibilities replace the inhibited sense of freedom, but I will not let all of it evaporate my believe in gender equality. I am not a raging pseudo-feminist, who can't make head or tail about personal space and liberty. I understand the concept of equality.

I don't care if it's a battle that will exhaust me. But it is surely one worth fighting for.

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