Mumbai! Really?

No, it is not about Mumbai or Delhi or New York or Paris. It is not about 6 PM, 8 PM, 10 PM or midnight. Nor is it about a skirt, jeans, salwar or burkha. It is not about the age, the companion, the mode of transport or the work profile. It is about freedom. About being able to live freely. About mere existence.

An existence which has been denied. Not just in this "modern" era but right since civilisation came into existence. It is not about the country that reveres a woman as a Goddess and then defiles her in the worst possible way. Americans and Europeans have Mother Mary. The rapes there are no less.

Why the shock over Mumbai? As a Mumbai girl, haven't you ever looked over your shoulder while walking?! Haven't you ever felt the fear? Haven't you read about crimes in the city? Why is it easy to point fingers but when the crime, which always existed back home is exposed, why the sudden outcry and rage?

It isn't anything new. It never was. Does it mean you are safe no more? No it doesn't. You were never safe. And never will be. Irrespective of the city, dress, time, hour. All you hopefully are is aware. And cautious. And prepared.

Yes, it pains me to use a word like prepared here but there is no running away from it. You can hope all you want. Travel late all your life and never once face a man passing a lewd comment. But perhaps your 10-year old daughter is already battling those ugly stares. Face the reality.

You live through it everyday. Live through the fear. Live through the relief. Then why the sudden sorrow when the fear manifests itself? It is the city that never sleeps. Why did you then think the darkness would?

It is not a new crime. It has existed since times immemorial. You can fight against it. Rally against it. Blame the opposite species. But that will not change facts. It is not an epidemic which you can halt with a vaccine. Nor is it a disease you can seek help for. It is a crime. A live, in the flesh crime which always existed and continues to exist and will continue.

It won't matter if you move out and go abroad. You can run all you want. You cannot brush it away. All you can do is be strong while inside you're quivering with fear. Learn a few loud screams. Learn to keep pepper spray handy. Learn self-defense. Learn. And hope you never have to put your knowledge to use.

Stop blaming the place. Stop acting shocked over a crime in the capital of the Indian underworld. Stop feeling the false sense of security. Open your eyes. And wake up. Please.