Whispers of Womanhood: Story of a young girl
Harshita was playing in the garden waiting for her parents in the vicinity of her grandmother. Her parents are working in an office and complete their responsibilities with zeal. She is grappling with her loneliness by playing games with the children in the neighbourhood or her cousins. She gets to spend time with her parents only in the evenings after coming from tuition or meal time. After having dinner, she used to watch some T.V. and then go to sleep and be prepared for the next day's routine.
This was her daily routine waking up, getting ready for school, having little titbits of bread and boarding the tonga to go to school. After attending the school, she was welcomed by her grandmother who used to serve her cooked food made by her mother in the morning. Both used to relish each other's company and wait for her mother's arrival who used to come after one and a half hours of her arrival. In the meantime, she used to finish her lunch and change her clothes. Either she chose to play or rest for some time before she started studying.
At the tender age of seven when she was experiencing changes in her body the children in the neighbourhood could also feel the difference in her. As it goes with every girl, a girl should be well protected and given awareness about her private parts frankly at the appropriate time. But she didn't get this training or even hints from her elders as they considered it irrelevant at this age. But fate decided something else.
As she usually went to play in the evenings. She got trapped by one of the boys in her neighbourhood, Akhil. He used to dislike her and made fun of her. But he was a year older than her. He used to watch his parents performing sex during the night but could hardly understand its meaning. That half-knowledge of this act and fear of someone noticing him watching thought of a sinister plan of enjoying this act without letting anyone know about it.
Akhil thought that Harshita was an introverted girl who hardly noticed or had any friends or could be easily manipulated. So he started making use of her innocence. He used to call her in a secluded place nearby where no one could ever think anything wrong was happening. He started playing with her private parts and allowed her to touch his private organs and enjoy the feel. Harshita initially felt that it was love as seen in movies and soon started enjoying it with him.
Time passed by both started hiding in secluded places and enjoying touching the private parts of each other and kissing. It became their daily ritual. No one could notice their private meeting. One day when Harshita's mother informed her that they were moving to a new place. Their secluded meetings came to a halt.
A year passed and one day when Akhil visited Harshita's house, he expected the same from her. But his desires were put in shatters when Harshita refused him sternly. On his forced attitude, she sought the help of her grandmother. But she didn't dare to disclose her fear or reason for screaming. Her grandmother could understand her silence but didn't want to put her family's reputation in trouble so she dug deep into this secret.
Harshita is now 20 years old and this incident is still fresh in her thoughts. At this age, she ponders on the reasons for her silence. Was she scared of something? Was she hesitant to share her thoughts or did deep inside feel that this was wrong and could be punished? Why she didn't dare to say what was going on in her life to her mother also?
It is a fact that girls are considered to be sacred but are exploited by the close ones. Children feel that it is their way of expressing love but the truth is far away from reality. Some adults or even older boys take the benefit of closeness or trust bestowed on them to exploit the young girls and enjoy the moment.
Harshita has now understood the urge to be friendly with her parents so that the little girl has the right to openly share her opinion and what's happening in her life. She could easily accept that girls are the mother's queen and should not be afraid to fail. They should not be suppressed to maintain family reputation.
Harshita took a vow that she would never let this gap lie between her and her kids so that her kids never hesitate to share their deepest secrets with her. A friendly and jovial nature among parents and kids is essential for the healthy well-being of a kid.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads' Cookhouse.
This story is a part of #Storytellersbloghop season 4 hosted by Auraofthoughts and Mywordsmywisdom.
I think both of them should have been educated not only Harshita! If the boy was told and explained about certain things, I'm sure he would refrain from 'exploring' it the wrong way. Whether we are boy moms or girl moms, we should educate our kids about certain things and make sure they are comfortable taking to us about anything and everything!
ReplyDeleteHarshita's story shows how important it is to teach kids about their bodies and boundaries from a young age. By incorporating age-appropriate sex education in schools and homes, we can empower children with the knowledge and confidence to recognize and respond to inappropriate behavior. Also, parents should create a safe space where kids feel they can share anything without fear of judgment. If Harshita felt comfortable talking to her parents about her worries, she might have avoided her scary situation.
ReplyDeleteAn important topic discussed in the story.
ReplyDeleteThat’s a sad truth in many households. Giving sex education to the kids is an integral part of parenting. And it should be given to both boys and girls. For this open communication is must. I really wish Harshita to have an open communication with her parents.
ReplyDeleteI belive and applied every single thing you have shared but at a time when there was no internet and no knowledge about how to bring up a boy or a girl.The communication should always be open. Kids should share everything with their parents.
ReplyDeleteYour story highlights the importance of sex education at an early stage. Nowadays, with so much of exposure on the web also, both the sexes need to know about this. I feel parents also need to become more open and aware about sharing these things with their children.
ReplyDeleteSex education is an extremely important discussion to be had with children so that they aren't influenced with the wrong notions and ideas they learn from peers or God forbade google! Harshita went though soemthing traumatic in her childhood and unknowingly enjoyed the ritual due to lack of knowledge and awareness, the same which became guilt as she grew up and knew its implication and meaning. I guess, this education should start from home and also in schools, where children are made aware of their rights and their bodily changes.
ReplyDeleteI think sex education is very important for both boys and girls. It is certainly a duty born by the parents to educate their children from an early age to avoid such cercumstances. If Harshita or Akhil had proper knowledge about the situations , perhaps their childhood would be more memorable.
ReplyDelete😲😲😲I know this is fiction but I can't believe a 7 year old being exploited by an 8 year old out of curiosity... I am aware of older men do that to little girls or big kids indulge in it... but this is so dangerous... OMG! and that little boy was watching his parents?... too much exposure at such a small age. Probably parents think that their kids are too young and may not understand anything so that is why they are unaware... but kids these days are never too young...
ReplyDeleteKaveri
The story proves that it is imperative for parents to talk to their children about touching. As Neha pointed out, sex education is needed today in school so that children are aware of the abuse. At home, too, parents should keep an open channel of communication with children so that they feel comfortable sharing anything with their parents.
ReplyDeleteHarshita's story conveys a heartfelt message that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children while encouraging proactive measures such as education and communication within families and communities.
ReplyDeleteHarshita was so young! I agree we should not let sex be a tabboo, and the earlier the better. But it is not just about sex education, it is more about if the child feels safe and accepted to share their thoughts. If the child is not heard or rebuked for things other than sex also, like their choice of friends clothes or studies, the child will never have the courage to talk about something as forbidden as sex.
ReplyDelete"A friendly and jovial nature among parents and kids is essential for the healthy well-being of a kid." You've explained the crux of the matter in this single line. It's so sad that as I read Harshita's story I was reminded of at least 2-3 women I know of, including myself, who were victims of similar experiences. It just goes to show how much these conversations need to be addressed more and more. I hope our daughters and the women in future grow and get to live in a better, safer world than we did.
ReplyDeleteSex Education should start in early age like recognition of body parts and that basis should start from parents. Harshita needs this information so that she can avoid scary situation.
ReplyDeleteIt's heartbreaking to think that young girls like Harshita go through such experiences alone, feeling scared or unsure about speaking up.
ReplyDeleteit's not just girls who need support and education about these issues, but boys too. Creating an environment where children feel safe to express themselves openly to their parents is so important.
You're right. But these days children are aware of everything even at a very young age. In fact, we need to find ways to curb this overflooding of information.
ReplyDeleteCommunication is the key and evert kid should made feel comfortable talking to their parent on any topic be it sex, or career or anything.
ReplyDeleteSex education is crucial for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, it empowers individuals with accurate and comprehensive knowledge about their bodies, reproductive health, and sexual relationships. With the right knowledge they can make the right decision about their sexual well-being. Moreover, sex education promotes healthy attitudes towards sexuality, consent, and relationships, helping to prevent sexual violence and exploitation. It also fosters open communication between partners, families, and communities, breaking down stigma and misconceptions surrounding topics like menstruation, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Importantly, comprehensive sex education helps young school going students and people with the skills to navigate peer pressure, make responsible choices, and develop respectful relationships. By providing this essential knowledge and support, sex education plays a vital role in promoting lifelong sexual health, well-being, and empowerment. I can see that in my son's preschool teachers are educating the students about good touch and bad touch. Sex education needs to be a subject in every school and should not be restricted for girls but boys too.
ReplyDeleteIt's heartbreaking to think that someone as young as Harshita had to grapple with such complexities. It's important to create spaces where young people feel safe to speak up about their experiences.
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice story which gives the importance of being frank about what is happening in life to close members in family so that we can ensure the young generation is safe.
ReplyDeleteStory highlights the importance of sex education to kids and the friendly relationship between parents and kids so that they can feel free to share everything with them
ReplyDeleteIt is because of incidents like these that children need to be told about good and bad touch from a young age. Harshita was innocent and Akhil took advantage of it. Both need counselling.
ReplyDeleteAll the more reason why we need sex education in India. A child and even young teens get the wrong notions from peers and other mediums. This does all the more damage.
ReplyDeleteSex education needs to be taught early. Kids are no longer the way they used to be. So it's high time parents take the plunge to make them aware early
ReplyDeleteHarshitha could be us! You have narrated an incident that could have happened to any of us. As always, sex education from an early age could help Harshitha and many more in that situation. Being informed always helps
ReplyDeleteEarly sex education is important for both cases and the talk about private parts can begin as early as toddlerhood. In this story, I wouldn't really say that Harshita was being exploited because the boy was also equally young. Children are often curious and they both should have been educated.
ReplyDeleteSuch an important topic to discuss through creative writing. It's very important and should be given priority to keep our children aware of our secrets. But yes I also believe there should be a healthy boundary between parents and children so they respect their parents. - Swarnali Nath
ReplyDeletesadly this is an often repeated story across the world. Education for both the boy and girl child are important, as is open communication and a general openness around the topic. I am glad she finally has a good relationship with her family.
ReplyDeleteThe story projects a severe social issue about a girl’s lack of understanding about the boy’s sexual intentions. The conclusion/resolution of the story matters a lot. Harshita is now a woman pledging to herself that she will right the wrong she experienced as a young girl. The woman takes upon the responsibility. What about the men? I wonder.
ReplyDeleteThis story touches upon the sensitive topic of sexual education which in our country is a taboo. Both boys and girls need to be spoken and educated and as you rightly said a jovial bond between parents and their children can establish it. (Chinmayee Gayatree Sahu)
ReplyDeleteLack of knowledge is a matter of concern for all, be it a girl or a boy. Health, prestige and social reputation are at stake. I'm glad you tried to highlight an important topic.
ReplyDeleteThe bad n good touch should be explained clearly to kids of both the sexes. Even boys are sexually exploited. Gap is bridging with parents but still long way to go. It scars n aggravates mental agony with age n trust shatters.
ReplyDeleteImportant subject touched by you. Thank you
Your story highlights a very important yet neglected topic in society. It is certainly very important to make a child aware of boundaries. Parents should always ensure the emotional well-being of their children through good communication.
ReplyDeleteVery important message. Children should never be afraid to talk with parents in a Friendly way as they feel only with parents they feel protected, safe and loved the most.
ReplyDeleteKids are trained at school as well as at home, regarding personal space and safety. this is a important topic for all parents.
ReplyDeleteI feel both of them were victims here, as the boy and Harshita, when they explored sex they both were kids. He was unaware and was curious like any other child, and so was she. But, yet it highlights the need of right knowledge and sex-education. Parents need to be open with their children about this too.
ReplyDeleteIts a factual thing and lack of proper knowledge can to this, and yes Dipika is right, both are victims here.
ReplyDeleteThe story very Well describe the importance of being friends with the kids, the essence of educating before hand about any tough situation or discussing freely without any hesitation about being judged or pointed out about the fault.
ReplyDeleteThe story very Well describe the importance of being friends with the kids, the essence of educating before hand about any tough situation or discussing freely without any hesitation about being judged or pointed out about the fault.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a sad situation, but honestly the parents and society at large must learn to speak about this subject openly. That is the only way children will learn and become aware of the consequences.
ReplyDeleteNoor