Nothing more, Nothing less.

A girl's voice, who gets eve-teased, who is harassed, who is treated with contempt on the roads of India.

I go out of home with eyes full of dreams, face lit with smiles.

With hope and confidence.

With zeal and strength.

As much as your’ s , my friend.

I feel equal. I feel safe. I feel secure.

I feel I am a person, not just a girl.

I respect you and expect just the same from you.
Nothing more, nothing less.

I walk on the roads fearless.
Why should I worry, it is my world too,

As much as it is yours.

But you tell me every day that “Whatever you are, you are a girl”.

You look at me as if I am an object.

When your lustful eyes dig deep into my body, it hurts.

You throw at me every day, your dirty words,

As if I am a garbage bin.

I feel unclean. I feel eroded.

I am not an object.

Nor a garbage bin.

Neither am I your property.

You do and forget, but it remains with me.

It frightens me when I step out of home.
It upsets me when I am alone.

It leaves a scar for forever.

I don’t feel safe.

The dreams in my eyes have to share the space with fear, caution.
The smile on my face is restrained.

I am bold, I can fight you.

But why do I have to fight each day just to be myself?

I can forget what you do, but not as easily as you do.

Why can’t you be human?

I am human. I respect you.

You be human. Respect me.

Nothing more, nothing less.