Free Bird Part 6

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'I hope it doesn't turn out to be a bad decision.' Rupa said, seeing the men teeming at the theatre. They were young and old, bald-pated and hirsute, white collared and blue collared, but there were men, men and only men. There was not a single woman to be seen anywhere.

Sneha, who was carefully manoeuvering her berry coloured activa through the alley that connected the theater to the main road, asked her to chill. Sneha honked not once, multiple times, that is when the group of young men gave her side. They stared at the girls. While Sneha made her eyes big and looked at them point blank, albeit only for a few seconds, to convey that their glances were not welcome, Rupa deliberately looked in the opposite direction.

Sneha parked the vehicle in the parking lot. She removed her ochre coloured helmet and adjusted her hair looking into the mirror of the bike. Rupa on the other hand was highly uncomfortable in this charged atmosphere. She covered her face with her dupatta and only her jet black eyes were visible now.

'Why are you covering your face? Are we doing anything wrong? We have come to watch a play and not to...'

Before Sneha could complete Rupa gestured her hand to stop her and said, 'Don't lecture me. I have told you earlier if I lack something, it is courage. Everybody cannot be like you Sneha.'

'But we have to change...'

'Yes, I know it is wrong. I mean my disconcert is wrong, and I should get over it. That's the reason I am here. Breaking my comfort zones. This is my tiny step towards empowerment. May be one day I will be as bold and as confident as you.'

Both the girls walked towards the lobby. Rupa's hands were clammy and she lumbered behind Sneha. Sensing her plight, Rupa firmly gripped her hand and escorted her inside the theatre.

Once inside the theatre, they realized that there were a few women in the hall. There was one elderly lady seated in the last row, next to a septuagenarian man, who probably was her husband. Then there was a group of giggling college girls dressed in identical denims and white shirts who seemed to be having the best time of their lives. Rupa found some comfort on seeing women and her nerves soothed. It is strange, but it is true that women do feel comfortable in the presence of other women, particularly in such situations, though they may not be of any help if anything untoward happens.

Sneha and Rupa ensconced in their seats. The groups of boisterous girls was seated a little farther.

'See we are not the only women in the auditorium.' Sneha said.

Gingerly moving her head from right to left Rupa said, 'The majority are men. But yes there are some women too.'

'That's the thing. Before venturing out we feel we are alone. But once outside, we realize we are not alone. There are many like minded individuals.' Sneha said.

'Ghar se to nikle the akele hi, log milte gaye, karwan banta gaya.' Rupa added.

Slowly the lights dimmed and the stage sprinted to life. The play was a slapstick comedy and laughter erupted at every joke, every punch which crackled in every other dialogue. Men hooted and whistled. But the gang of girls, their romp and merriment registered presence of the other sex in the hall too. Sneha looked at Rupa. She had never seen Rupa laugh like that and Sneha couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Rupa whistle a couple of times. All her inhibitions had dropped the moment the lights had turned off and she was thoroughly enjoying the play.

After the play was over and they were on their way back, Rupa said, 'Thanks Sneha. I had the best laughter of my life. Yes, the jokes were double meaning and risque, but they were hilarious. I liked the rat and the hole in particular.' Sneha hushed her and said. 'People are listening.'

Rupa raised her shoulders and said, 'I don't care.'
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