I don't know what it means,
But from a young age, I was suppressed from
Wearing what I loved by all means.
I don't know what it means,
But I was taught to cook food of all types and means.
I don't know what it means,
But my brother was taught to catch his fantasies,
While nobody cared for my dreams.
I don't know what it means,
But my brother travelled all around the world,
While I was stuck within the four walls.
I don't know what it means,
But my brother was taught to be strong and brave,
And all sorts of outdoor games,
While I was told to be calm, elegant and gentle,
And learn the household chores by heart.
I don't know what it means,
But my brother's tears had value more than gold,
While my tears had no value, that's what I was told.
I don't know what it means
But while I was learning ABCs,
I always dreamt of what I would be;
A pilot, a teacher, a doctor, a chef, or a scientist just like Marie Curie,
And weave my own inspiring story.
But my Baba's words, "Just marry",
Dropped me into a hole, deeper than a black hole.
Today I am 20 and with strength and hope, I got a job without Baba's permission
But when I came home there was silence and silence,
And no conversation.
I asked Ma what was the issue, But she stood there like a statue.
Surprisingly, I was not surprised,
She was always silent each and every day
No matter how much I cried and whined.
Today, I understood why Ma was silent all these days
But now it's enough,
It's time for a change by breaking all the stereotypical gates,
And throw away the Handcuffs in which freedom was till now tough.
So with lots of hope and a smile,
I went to Baba, thinking he'd realize and agree ,
That I'm no longer a child,
And my dreams are not little like a seed;
I've been a grown-up for quite a while,
And my never-ending dream tree is ready to reach the moon.
But I guess these cloud-like thoughts will eventually vanish away,
So,I suddenly tried to walk away;
When with a giggle and a smile, for the first time ever in my life,
My Baba spoke up
" Listen, my daughter, go live your dreams
In this modern world, you're forever free".
And finally today I know what it means,
Today I know the worth of my tears and dreams.
I went from being a nowhere nobody,
To being a special somebody.