️A TOUCH I DID NOT ASK FOR

Source- Unsplash By- M.

 When your gaze was settling firmly on my chest as I walked into the corridors 

And, I hurriedly ignored as I tried to squirm my body out of your line of gaze. Or I freeze.

When you tried to push yourself onto me inside a cab, 

When I found you groping me on the trains and buses,

When you 'accidentally on purpose' brushed up against me,

When you voluntarily stood in my way, physically blocking my movements

When you made sexually offensive gestures,

When you paid excessive attention, staring at my body up and down,

When you inappropriately touched my private parts in the crowd,

And followed me around.

I was in disbelief and felt so numb.

I felt as if it was my fault.

Embarrassed me felt so weak and dirty;

Helpless me felt gross, confused, and uneasy;

Your 'unwelcomed touch' left me uncomfortable, demoralised, and intimidated.

My silence or lack of protest doesn’t mean my consent. 

I still re-live, re-experience those unpleasant memories over and over again through nightmares and flashbacks.

- By SUNIDHI PANDEY