Chapter-8

The following day, on his way back home, Anik saw a new white color wagon R car below his apartment. “Papa, I think chakrabarty uncle got a new wagon R.” He informed his dad, as he entered his home. He noticed that prior to his entrance. There was an argument going on between his father and Abhita. “Uncle bought that car for me as a gift.” She said in an offended mood. His father in no mood to relent, “You only admitted the other day that you are like my daughter, can’t I buy my daughter a car Anik?” He asked him, looking at her. She raised her hands up, “Ok, I give up.”

Give me the keys. She said irritated. Anik saw a spark of excitement on her face, and spoke. “No, dad, unless she gives us a treat, don’t give her the car.” So they all went to have some ice cream at the India gate. Abhita, who had learnt driving from her father, enjoyed the sense of freedom. Freedom of movement in the city where, she was assaulted unawares, in a brutal, cruel manner. They had dinner and then ice cream. This changed and refresh Ned their moods which had been going low day by day.

At night, Anik went to his father’s bedroom. “Thanks dad.” He said in a very low voice so that Abhita couldn’t listen to him. “Oh, its ok son, I was thinking for so many days to have some briyani in a restaurant.” He replied, to acknowledge his son’s gratitude. “No, for the car. I felt bad that you took money from her.” He replied. “Look son, I could have declined the money yesterday but she would have felt bad. I got a second hand car, a year old, she couldn’t refuse. That’s a lesson on diplomacy you should learn too.” His father explained him.

Anik had seen his dad in a new perspective from the past few weeks He felt with, coming of Abhita into their house, a new turn had come into their relationship. His respect for his father had increased manifold, due to the wisdom and strength he had showed.

The day was Saturday. Abhita and Anik waited in the car, with three more young girls as the get together at Rajesh’s house was progressing. The detective had called up on Thursday to inform them that there was a get-together at Rajesh’s house, his sisters, parents and Rohit’s family would be present along with few other friends. The occasion was home coming of his sister from Mumbai and one from the states. Abhita thanked her luck that it was to happen on Saturday. Taking leaves from office was a tough job these days, and she knew it was more difficult for Anik, who was concentrating for his promotion. The girls were undergraduates from a local college; the detective seemed to have good contacts at the college level too. They were told that they had to accompany this girl for a quick survey. A promise of suitable compensation convinced them easily.

One of the girls rang the bell. Swati opened the door, “Hello mam, we are here for a quick survey on rising crimes against women, and we will take just five minutes of your time.” She spoke the well rehearsed lines with ease .A visibly upset Swati asked her to come some other time, and started closing the door, when Abhita pushed the door hard, “Come girls lets get over with it fast.” Swati recognized her instantly and was so shocked that couldn’t even hold on to the door. She was suddenly afraid, especially of that man that followed the girls. He was dressed all black. And his thick beard scared her.

Eight pairs of eyes looked on anxiously and nervously at the group, who was interviewing other females and men some very uneasy questions. The girl who had rang the bell asked a middle aged lady, with an American accent, “Do you think Delhi is unsafe for women?” The lady replied excitedly, “Let’s see, before marriage I used to live her, it was not that bad, now I heard that the situation is getting worse day by day. Having said that, the phrase Delhi is unsafe for women is a wrong one. In New York, rape rate is very high. If there is such a rate I mean. So is in rest of the world and this country. Singling out Delhi you are trying to pass the blame, but for what.” She stopped looked around for applause, but had to be satisfied with an approval from all corners of the room. Swati rose up and went into the kitchen. As the girl was busy jotting down the answer, another girl turned up to Rajesh’s another sister, “Tell us, madam, what are your views on defending one from such hooligans who assault women?” This lady was quite person and preferred to speak as less as possible. “Keep a licensed pistol in you purse at all times, shoot those bastards as soon as they touch you.” She replied, amidst cheers by her sister. Rohit and Rajesh, feeling embarrassed, got up to leave the room, but were stopped by Anik, who was standing at the doorway, “The fun has just begun.” He muttered to them and then called up to one of the volunteers accompanying them, “You people always blame men, let’s hear the views of these gentlemen, as there should be a balanced opinion.” Rajesh’s excited sister, not knowing how much of gentleman he was pulled his hand and made him sit besides her.

Rohit also had no option but to sit and answer some tough questions.

Abhita turned over to Rajesh and asked, “Nowadays people of your sex are indulging in such heinous crimes, like rape, eve-teasing, can you think of a reason as to why men would commit such horrid acts?” Rajesh felt short of breath, and answered meekly, “Don’t know.”

She turned to Rohit, “Sir, girls see every other man as a potential rapists, he looks at you and the first image a girl has of his is that of a eve-teaser. Is it fair to brand all men wrong, do you think that men are being unfairly targeted?” He looked blankly at her, and after much thinking just managed to say a word, “yes.” Others looked at him, waiting for an explanation. But he had none.

Several other similar questions were asked and answers were noted in detail. Lastly Abhita, spoke to the partly delighted audience who had taken good interest in the whole conversation till now, “Thank you everyone, now just one last question before we leave, what’s the most deserving punishment you would recommend for these rapists?”

“Hang them.” Replied the oldest lady in the group

“Electric shock death.” Another lady responded.

“Hang them…..life imprisonment …..Hard punishment” etc other replies poured in.

“Lock them in a tank full of cockroaches.” This was a suggestion by a 15 year old girl, the American lady’s daughter. Abhita noticed that, while other children were herded out of the room, this gal participated actively in the whole conversation and her mother also looked upon her proudly. She wished that Indian mothers should be a bit more open about these issues. Abhita looked over to Nisha and Swati the only ladies who hadn’t spoke as yet. Everyone asked them to speak and reluctantly they answered,

“They should be thrown down a tall building.” Swati spoke, staring hard at her husband, showing how frustrated she was with all that was happening.

Next, everyone pestered Nisha for an honest and unique opinion, “Cut their legs and hands maybe.” She said indifferently.

Abhita looked at Anik and signaled for leave. The bid goodbyes and thanked everyone for their co-operation. The final phase of the avenging act was over. Now the time was for Verdict.