Dear Daughter,

You are not born yet but I hope you never are. I hope you never see how ugly this world is. More than being my daughter, you will be a puppet that our so-called "leaders" will use to prove a point or worse, seek revenge in the name of religion. I am sorry I cannot promise you a secure future. I cannot promise to you that I will help you fulfill all your dreams, mould you to become a strong woman of substance who is able to take her own decisions because I will be too scared of religious fanatics using you as a scapegoat.

They say unborn babies can listen to everything that their mother tells them and they even believe what they hear. I can't even tell you that the world you might be a part of is so beautiful that you will love every second of living in it, because that would be a lie. What I can tell you is that you will have to fight every second for your rights, for other women's rights, for men who are wronged and can't stand up for themselves. You'll never know what it feels like to be a child because as soon as you begin understanding words, relationships and people around you, I will have to teach you how to deal with monsters.

I can't promise you the kind of childhood I had, the kind I wanted you to have. I might not be able to pass on all the wonderful books I read as a kid, teach you all the outdoor games that I have played as a  child. Because I will be too concerned about teaching you how to scream, push, punch and kick when someone touches you inappropriately. I will have to talk to you about the birds and bees much before you reach the age where it becomes all important.

Oh, what a beautiful life I planned for you! All the books, toys, the beautiful crib, the best school; but I am so disturbed and scared of everything happening around me, all of this seems like a figment of imagination, like something I can never provide to you. I am too scared of losing you even though you aren't born yet. But more than the pain I might have to live with, it's the pain you will go through that bothers me. It's not fair for you to be a scapegoat to fanatics who are going to disrespect God, values and above all, you! I cannot let anyone disrespect you or your body.

With lots of love,

A woman who hoped to be a mother!

This comes straight from the heart of a woman who doesn't want kids of her own because she is too scared of what might happen to them. She doesn't want them to grow up being a part of this culture, where one cannot even respect a child. No amount of candle marches or protests is going to convince me that rapes won't happen or that my child will live a full life without being judged, used or disrespected. No amount of pushing your political agendas down our throats is going to give us the assurance that our kids will be safe.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 13, 2018 10:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).