Driven by past love and a quest for justice, Prof. Prity Sharma fiercely advocates for same-sex marriage rights in India, challenging deep-rooted social taboos. Can she achieve her goal or something more awaits for her?
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Once upon a time, in the...
The morning has its own sublime nature, with all the birds chirping around on the white balcony. The delicious sun rays touch the leaves of the Peace Lily plants as the calm breeze makes them dance a bit. The morning covers itself with the garment of tranquillity, which affects the surrounding nature as well.
I always love mornings like this—calm, tranquil. The sky is bright blue, with pieces of uneven clouds floating like bits and pieces of cotton.
Life is polysemous. It's a big canvas composed of various elements and colours, and a lot of time and hard work is required to paint it properly.
I was pondering all these things as I flipped through the pages of the photo album while sipping on my morning coffee. It’s an old one, containing photos from my childhood, high school, and some from my career.
"Mom, why do girls love girls like a husband loves his wife?" I asked while playing with my fingers.
"It's abnormal, baby. Girls can't love girls in that way. It has to be a boy and a girl," my mom said to me. And now I sheepishly smile thinking about it.
"Why do I feel so much attraction towards girls? I don't like boys that much. Why is it so?" I asked.
"Don't think much about it, Prit. Those are all weird gay stuff. You will get a boyfriend very soon," Avni said, giving me her least attention as I knew she felt disgusted about it. I mentally laughed as it popped up in my mind.
"But you know we both love each other," I said with teary eyes. "Then, why not?" I asked with pleading eyes.
"Why don't you understand, Prity? Society won't accept us. We can't be together," Laxmi exclaimed with melancholy and temper. Now it seems to be a witticism of time.
"Don't talk with Prity Sharma. You know she is a lesbian," one girl in our class whispered to her fingers.
"But she is so casual and excellent in studies..." One of her friends defended back.
"So what... She is a LESBIAN. You know she loves other girls and wants to make out with them," the former girl protested in return. All my friends were whispering behind me. Stupid brainless people I had...
"Why on earth would you give them such a project?" my dad interjected, his voice rising in anger.
"I believed it was important for them to understand," I countered, meeting his gaze steadily.
"But you forget our traditions, our country's values!" he retorted, his face flushing with anger. You never got to know your own child, Dad but now...
"So today's class discussion topic is the LGBTQ+ community. So, anyone here, what is this LGBTQ+ community or who are these people?" I asked aloud through my mic. As a response to my question, I saw a few bright smiles, some happy faces, but most of the majority was disconcerted by my questions.
"Ma'am, the people who have different sexuality, like homosexual, bisexual, or asexual... But it's atypical, ma'am, right?" a student answered. Her face had a kind of 'nauseated' expression. Seriously, society can!
"Prof. Sharma, do you know what kind of impact you are making on the students? The authority wants you to take back your words on this topic and also you have to apologise to the students, saying you were wrong," the principal commanded me in a stern voice.
"Sorry, Sir. Here's my resignation letter. I am ready to leave the university rather than telling a lie and teaching wrong to my students. Actually, we all are still illiterates. Anyways, have a good day ahead," I left the cabin as the sound of the door getting shut rang in my ears. How pathetic of him now.
"Prof. Sharma, are you mad? Do you think the Parliament of India will approve this law?" he asked, agitated.
"I don't see any harm in it. Let's see what happens tomorrow in court," I answered while rubbing my temples. And all of it was worth it...
"What are you thinking about for so long, Love?" my wife asked me as she sat beside me, resting her forehead on my shoulder, bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Nothing, Dear! I just got a bit nostalgic thinking of those days," I answered while caressing her hair.
"Yeah! They were hard, but you were harder," she smiles at me. "Baby, Avi and Tina are coming back today," she said in a voice full of concern.
"Oh. They are coming back? Then let's have an outing and a family dinner tonight. What do you say?" I asked.
She just nodded in reply, making her grip around my arm stronger.
***
In all my sixty years, the urge to narrate a captivating real-life story has never arisen within me. Yet, today, an unfamiliar sensation prompts me to share. Although uncertain of the reception in this ever-evolving 'now,' I believe it's essential for future generations to glean insights from the past.
"Now tell us, Mum, please," both of my kids whined like babies. My wife was sitting beside them.
"Tell them now, Honey. They are big enough to understand it now," she encouraged me.
"So, it was in the year 2034..."
***
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