A few thoughts about women who judge me for wearing a short dress in public

Stop looking at my legs like they are a piece of tangri kebab!

Sarwat Fatima
जुलाई 20, 2017

Dear aunties, just stop staring at my legs, please. Photo Courtesy: YouTube/ BollywoodNow

So, yesterday I got on to the Delhi metro wearing one of my favourite dresses. It was a knee-high floral summer dress. However, the reaction I got after setting my foot inside the ladies' compartment convinced me that I was not wearing clothes but leaves. Oh! Why else would they seize me up with such distaste and drill their stares into my legs. Honestly, it felt as if my limbs would catch fire--courtesy the sheer intensity.

However, I must admit. This is not once in a blue moon kind of a deal. It happens every time I decide to wear a dress in public. It's amazing how some women try to scan my naked flesh with their hawk eyes. Yes, it's feels disgusting when men do the same. But, when the female lot decides to gape at me, a thousand thoughts rush to my head. For starters...

Ghar Mein Beti-Bahu Nahi Hai Kya Judge Karne Ke Liye?

So, when I see an aunty staring at me with her cold, judgemental eyes, the first thought that comes to my mind is: ghar mein bahu-beti nahi hai kya? Because I know that what they are thinking. To them--I am a loose, immoral woman who has the audacity to put my legs on display. After five seconds of laying eyes on me, the women assume that they know my whole kundli--not to mention, my character! For which sanskaari girl would dare to leave her house in a short dress? I can't help but wonder why they don't stare at their daughters and daughters-in-law with the same gaze they subject me to? Dear aunties, judge your bahu-beti to your heart's content. Just leave me alone in peace, please.

Have They Never Seen A sexy Pair Of Legs Before?

Call me vain if you want, but I am proud of them legs. After all, I invest big bucks getting them waxed and scrubbed every month. So, you are free to call my legs my best attribute. And as for the aunties who love to ogle at them like a thirsty wanderer looks at a pool of water--well, let them. Maybe they never had the chance to look at God's much marvellous creation before.

Oh No! Is It Because I Forgot To Shave?

Or is it because I forgot to shave today? Damn! I am a looking like an ape--is what I think next. Those tiny hair follicles enlarge in my imagination and take the shape of scary tentacles--prominent enough to draw unwanted attention. Really, why else would over-grown women look at legs with such interest anyway?

Wait...

Maybe They're Jealous Because They Can't Show Their Legs

Tsk! Tsk! Since aurat hi aurat ki dushman hoti hai, I get why they give me such disgruntled looks. Well, it's because they are jealous. After all, when you've got it--flaunt it. But, what do you do when you want to flaunt it, but don't have it? Well, in that case you go green with envy. So, that explains a lot.

My Legs Are Not Food! But, Wait--Are They Cannibals?

I am not exaggerating here, but some women stare at my legs like I look at a piece of murg musalam after starving for a whole day. Yes, I agree I have beautiful legs, but they are human legs. Not chicken legs. So, please spare me the horror and avert your eyes please.