Furore

06| Arguing And Shit.

06| Arguing And Shit.

I laughed. "I was like there're so many temples in Indore that I haven't visited, rather go there then get bruised here."

"For the first time, I got scared in a campaign. The police were beating people and I was shocked. That should not be allowed." I narrated my tale to aunty about the protest in Kerela for women entry in Sabrimala
temple.

"And Mumma I was literally holding Sithara's hand, standing beside Kabir. I was like I don't even wanna go inside dude." The two of us laughed louder.

It was so serious and morbid that day that we could not help but laugh at us now.

"And you know aunty what the priests had to say in the Supreme Court? They said we have allowed women to come, but they are not coming. What do we do?" I told her with my expressions all astound like if it was even logical for a dumb person.

"I remember. You called so frustrated." Daniya spoke to me, chuckling. " You had gone all the way to Delhi for that and.."

"Exactly. Now, it's okay though. I went to the temple. It's nice. And the hilltop is really a must-watch." I replied.

The movement against the rule of the temple had started long ago but I had joined the group with my organisation when I started with my university.

It was the second big success I had witnessed after the legalisation of the LGBTQ rights. I had become a part of these much later but the satisfaction it had given me was beyond anything.

It had assured me that I was doing what I loved, that I was on the right track. It motivated me to do more, to put in the best of my efforts and see how the change for good would happen.

"What about the triple talaq bill? You all were campaigning for it?" Aunty asked, chopping tomatoes.

"Women want it to be passed but the men are against it and they are strong," I explained to her the issue and she nodded, hearing me out attentively.

"They are bringing the whole uniform civil code issue and it's delaying it," I added at last.

"I just want it to clear the parliament before I get married to Hamza. I don't want him to do that to me. He gets so mad when he gets to know about my whereabouts." Daniya made us laugh but aunty narrowed her eyes sharply.

She knew Daniya was quite determined to marry Hamza. "Shut up. Dadi is on the couch."

"Yes. Enjoy it. They are all destroying the Shariyat law and people like Daniya are supporting it." Dadi finally let out her comment, glaring at me. I wanted to tell her that it was not me but the Muslim women had demanded for it.

Sometimes she would be so sweet, she would talk to me on anything and everything but then all of a sudden turn bitter at me. She was much like my own grandmother; they had major mood swings.

"Look at him now." Daniya blurted, her eyes popping, her lips curving into a goofy smile.

I frowned at her, turning back to look at Arsalan walk down the stairs. I did not catch what enticed her so much but I couldn't help but feel my heart flutter at the sight of him. He was in the shirt that I had gifted him.

He gazed into my eyes and I could read the furtive smile on his lips. I blushed harder as he approached us, mumbling a good morning.

"Ammi he has a girlfriend," Daniya told aunty, making Arsalan roll his eyes as he fidgeted with his watch.

"I'm leaving." He spoke to his mother and then looked at me to complete his sentence. "I'd be home for dinner but no breakfast now."

I bit my cheek, staring at Daniya, sillily. So now he was gonna heed to all what I'd say and do accordingly. Impressive.