#notcursed

So it was 26th August 2016, Olympics were concluded. And we Indians were upset that we didn’t win any gold. Well, what can we say; we don’t appreciate silver or bronze.

So it was in the morning that I realized I got my period (menstruation, or whatever you call it). So like every month’s drama and ignorance, I didn’t have pads/sanitary napkins stuffed in my wardrobe. I forget to keep a stock of it. But, how should I remember if I have to hide it, keep it safe in the drawers so no one should see it. Because it’s a sin, against our culture to express it out. ‘What would Grandma say?’ Well, Mom she was menstruating too, many years ago. And ‘Periods, is the reason why you and me are alive on this planet.’

And I had to go out to the nearest medical store. I went and guess what I saw in the display of the store, Pampers, Mamy Poko Pants all the famous diapers for kids. I entered the store and they were two men standing idle, probably waiting for a customer. So I was going through the stuff that they kept in the display. Fairness creams, hair oils and many beauty products related to women and men. But I didn’t see sanitary napkins. For a second, I thought they didn’t have any. One of the shopkeepers came forward to ask me, if I need any help. Yes, I needed. I asked “Do you have sanitary napkins?” He nodded and opened a drawer that is on his side and asked me softly “Which brand and size?”

Really, hiding them, speaking softly about it. It’s a natural biological process, not a crime. “Whisper, the XL wings and I want the bigger packet.” I said. He got it out and something else also, a newspaper and a black plastic bag. So according to him, no one will notice that I am carrying sanitary napkins if I do it in the black plastic bag.

‘Wow!’ I thought. I refused to take the plastic bag (environmentalist) and the newspaper, because I really did not want to hide it. “Ma’am, it’s not allowed like that, it not nice to show it out to people and what would they think.” He said. ‘You know what they would think that I am having my period, like every other normal girl.’ I thought.

I did not say another word. Paid the money in the most disappointed way and walked away.

People out there, If you are out there, listen ‘It’s not a sin.’ It’s the most basic and natural biological process that happens in a woman. Stop being superstitious and making it look like a crime. It’s not a problem; period reflects the health of the women. Regular period indicates that the woman is healthy. We are not cursed; stop locking us in the rooms and not letting us into temples at that time.