One Indian Girl by Chetan Bhagat

definition?’
‘Feminism is a movement that seeks to define, establish and achieve equal political,
economic, cultural, personal and social rights for women. A feminist is someone who believes in this
movement.’
‘Wow,’ he said.
‘What wow?’
‘The way you said the definition. It’s cool.’
‘Thanks. But are you one?’
‘Never really thought about it. Never faced a situation where I had to be one. But I guess, yes.’
‘You are?’ I said.
‘I think all human beings should have equal rights. It’s not men versus women, it’s human
versus human. Feminist is a wrong term. It should be humanist. The right question is “Are you a
humanist?” Well, everyone should be,’ he said.
‘True,’ I said.
‘Are you a feminist, Radhika?’
‘What do you mean? I am a woman.’
‘Not all women are feminists.’
‘Really?’
‘Mothers who treat sons better than daughters. Are they feminists?’
‘No,’ I said.
‘Women who judge other working women as not being good enough mothers. Are they
feminists?’
‘No. I see your point. Yes, I consider myself a feminist,’ I said.
‘Can I say something?’
‘Sure.’
‘I don’t think anyone has to specifically call himself or herself a feminist. If you are a fair
person and want equal opportunities for all, that’s a start.’
I looked at him and smiled.
The waiter brought us another round of beer. The sun had vanished, leaving behind a dark grey
sky. We watched the waves splash on the beachfront.
‘What else did you do in Goa on your field trip?’ I said.
‘Stuff. Stuff you don’t want to know.’
I got interested. ‘Oh, really. Like what?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Try me.’
‘Okay, checking out all the firang women on all the beaches.’
‘You mean leching at them?’
‘Of course not. I would call it more a studied observation,’ he said.
I laughed.
‘Engineers are sick,’ I said.
‘They are. Deprivation does that to us.’
‘What else?’
‘We smoked up.’
‘What? Weed?’
He nodded.