It was my second day in class 12th. I won't lie, I was damn scared on my first day so I just straightaway started teaching them, no introduction and nothing else.

So the next day I asked my class for an introduction of them. A very simple introduction, just their name and its meaning.

There is a girl, her name is Maafi.
At first I thought I have heard something wrong. I asked her to repeat her name. I could hear the sadness in her voice.

I asked her the reason for such a name and who decided her name. She remained silent. Then her best friend told me that she is the fifth daughter to her parents. So when she was born they named her Maafi so that the next child is a boy.

And finally they got their wish fulfilled as her brother was born thereafter.

When we think of selfless love.... a love which is unconditional.... everyone says that only your parents love you unconditionally.

Indian culture has many good things. But family is the core of a society. In indian families, I don't see an unconditional love as it is quite visible in their obsession for a boy child. So much of obsession that they name a child 'Maafi' with no shame and no pain in their heart.

Western countries despite many bad things have one specialty. Atleast kids are not seen as an asset or a liability there. That is why they hold gender reveal parties which is impossible in a country like ours.

They plan their retirement for their old age but in India we are planning boys for our retirement.

Isn't it a shame??

I mean no child has sent you a letter from heaven that hey look we are dying to be born.

You wanted a child. You brought her to this world.

A name holds a special significance in a person's life. They named her 'Maafi' to constantly remind her of how unwanted she was or she is!!

Then they ask what is wrong with our girls nowadays!!

Answer is not too difficult.


© Gauri_🎶