It was a Saturday evening, and the Mongo café was filled with people.

Tanya wore a cute pink peplum top with a white floral pattern and blue denims. She sat near the window, and the evening sunlight fell on her. Her brown eyes were shining like honey. The wind softly brushed her hair, which she kept in an open hairstyle.

She was waiting for her school friend Shamika.

Tanya and Shamika weren’t close during school, and once Tanya shifted to another school, she lost almost everyone’s contact information. She recently came across Shamika’s profile on social media, and both decided to meet in person.

She was so excited and nervous at the same time. She was confused about what conversation she should have. How she should greet Shamika when she enters. She was looking at her watch and practicing the conversation.

Waiter: What would you like to have ma’am?

Tanya: I am waiting for my friend. I will order along with her.

Waiter: Sure, ma’am.

Tanya started to think about the conversation she should have with Shamika.

Tanya (to herself in her mind): What should I talk to her? How do I start the conversation? It’s been a long time and I am not sure what should I start our conversation with.

First of all, how should I greet her? Hi? Or Hello? Should I do a shake hand? Or should I hug her? or just say hello with a smile? What should I do?

What should I ask her? Like how are you?? Oh no!! Obviously, I will ask that. What else should I talk about?

How is your work? How is your life? How was your college life?

I think instead of college, I should start with work life. Yes! I will ask her “How is your work going?”

Yes, that’s perfect.

How should I greet her? Oh my god, I haven’t thought about this.

Suddenly, the café door opened and Tanya saw Shamika in a traditional attire. Tanya was so surprised. Shamika used to wear modern attire during school days. Shamika saw Tanya. Shamika came towards Tanya. Tanya was about to give a handshake but she noticed the gesture of Shamika, both hugged each other.

Tanya: How are you?

Shamika: I am good. How are you?

Tanya: I am good.

Shamika: It’s been a long time. Nice to see you in person.

Tanya: Likewise, by the way, what would you like to have?

Shamika: A tea.

Tanya chuckled and asked

Tanya: Herbal or Verbal?

Shamika was silent, she didn’t know what to answer.

Tanya called the waiter and said.

Tanya: Two Teas, please.

Waiter: Sure, Ma’am

Tanya felt a bit embarrassed due to Shamika’s silence. She thought she might have offended her.

Tanya: Actually, that was a joke. Tea joke. I am sorry if I have hurt you.

Shamika: I understood the joke. I wasn’t just sure how to respond so I kept quiet. Don’t worry.

Tanya: How’s your work going?

Shamika: I am doing my PG. I told you while we are chatting. Remember?

Tanya (to herself): Messed up successfully. I prepared what I should start the conversation with and the starting itself seems to be stunning. Oh god, please help me I should not mess further.

Tanya: Oh sorry, I forgot.

Shamika: No worries.

Tanya: How is your university life then?

Shamika: It's good.

The tea was served. Shamika and Tanya were discussing about few topics like shopping, movies, studies, games, etc.

Tanya couldn’t help herself so she asked.

Tanya: Hey, you used to wear modern clothes, right? I didn’t expect you to be in traditional attire that too for the café.

Shamika’s face became a bit dull.

Shamika suddenly got frustrated and asked.

Shamika: It’s my right and people who are right-minded would wear this kind of clothes. It gives me protection.

Tanya: Protection?? And you mean to say people who prefer modern dress are not right-minded? Don’t you think you judge people based on their dress? That’s wrong.
Tanya: I didn’t mean to offend you. But could you please explain what happened?

Shamika was so confused but after Tanya convinced her many times, she started to explain her story.

One day while Shamika was going to her tuition, a stranger did a bad touch to Shamika. She didn’t know what happened but she felt something was wrong and she went to tuition.

Shamika’s tuition teacher is also her class teacher. That teacher is her favorite teacher. So, she thought of sharing it with her teacher.

Shamika (younger Shamika at tuition): Ma’am, can I please talk to you for a second?

Teacher: Sure, come front.

Shamika: I have a doubt, I will ask later ma’am.

After the class, everyone left the tuition center, Shamika went to her teacher and explained what happened.

The teacher started to do victim blaming rather than consoling Shamika.

Shamika was wearing a top and skirt (below knee-length). The teacher simply blamed Shamika for her dress. She asked Shamika to wear traditional attire and also asked Shamika to not talk about this incident to anyone else.

Poor Shamika wasn’t mature enough to understand that it wasn’t her mistake. Since her favorite teacher advised her in such a way, she sincerely followed that. She still thinks it was her mistake.

By the end of saying this, Shamika started to cry.

Tanya: I am so sorry for what you’ve been through. Are you okay?

Shamika: Yeah, that’s fine.

Tanya: Sorry to ask but do you feel safe now?

Shamika: No, I don’t. That day still haunts me to date. I couldn’t believe anyone.

Tanya: See Shami, it wasn’t your fault. It was entirely the stranger’s fault. You don’t have to feel guilty.

Shamika: But ma’am said it was my fault.

Tanya: Some people will talk like that but it isn’t true. She might have different perceptions. She might have thought that you would discontinue the tuition so she blamed you. I am not saying this would be the reason. This might be a reason.

Shamika: Oh!

Tanya: See Shamika, we can’t judge a person based on their dress. Despite gender and age, people are getting assaulted.

I will give you an example. I hope you would have heard about a girl who killed her boyfriend for no reason. She was wearing traditional attire. So as per your theory, she shouldn’t have killed him, right?

Also, there was an exhibition displaying the dresses worn by victims at the time of the assault, and guess what there was a wide range of clothes. So, dress is not the cause. It’s the mindset of the attacker. In your case, it’s that stranger’s mindset was the problem and not you.

So, please don’t blame yourself. Show some love and kindness to yourself.

Explaining this, Tanya patted on Shamika’s shoulder.

Shamika: So, you mean to say I should not wear traditional attire?

Tanya: Your attire is your choice, Shami!! If you like traditional attire, go with it. But don’t judge others based on their dress. Okay?

Shamika(crying): I don’t know. She is my favorite teacher, so why would she give me some wrong advice?

Tanya: As I said, people have different perceptions, Shami!

Don’t let that break you. Stay strong.

Shamika: Thank you so much. I haven’t shared about that incident with anyone else in these years. I didn’t know I needed this. Thank you so much.

Tanya: Come on!! Anytime!!

Shamika: Hearing this perspective makes me feel relieved. Thanks, Tanya!

Tanya: Again??? Come on, it’s okay.

Shamika: Sorry if I hurt you. No offense.

Tanya: None Taken.

Shamika smiled and asked.

Shamika: I would like to get some verbal tea from you.

Tanya laughed. Both continued their conversation without realizing that their bond got stronger.