Girl — Indian.

She has been called too modern by relatives who measure her value in modesty and marriage proposals. She has been called too traditional by classmates who don’t understand why she can’t just “rebel already.” So she has learned to exist in the in-between. To be a bridge made of bone and bravery.

So do not reduce her to a stereotype. Do not call her exotic or docile or angry or mystical. indian. girl

She learns early that the world sees her as two separate things. She has been called too modern by relatives

Girl. A body to be watched. A voice to be softened. A future negotiated between wedding invitations and exit exam scores. She is told: Don’t stay out too late. Don’t laugh too loud. Don’t want too much. So do not reduce her to a stereotype

But here is what the world forgets: the period in between.