I was away for a while to attend some official matter and my two young daughters were at home managing on their own. Everything was fine but a phone calll spoiled the mood of everyone at home.

I just wonder how people can be so insensitive especially if they are talking to someone who is bound to be a member of their family? When I called home from the outstation, my daughter, the younger one--the firebrand, was in fury. How could it be as normally she is very sweet? Gushed forth her feelings and these were about a remark made by our new relatives-to-be about her elder sibling.

The elder one about whom this remark was made, was as usual cool and placid or was it that she hid all her feelings under the facade of being unfuffled? I felt like running to my home and holding my daughters close to my bosom to comfort them but I just could not as I was some fifteen hours' journey away from them. I tried consoling them and tried acting very casually but could I sleep that night? NO, a big No. I kept on shfting from one side to another and questioning myself about the futility of winning applaus at the conference where I projected the side of all powerful women and extolling women to take stance when it comes to getting belittled at the hands of men, but in real life I found myself to be in no way different than average multitude of women who take up what comes their way and never questioing their right.

Why was I quiet? Why didn't I call up this person and asked her of the reason behind her calling my daughter and saying a remark which cannot be treated civilized by any standards? Or was it because I wanted to avoid any unwarranted situation at this stage? Or was it because I was basically a weak person and just had no courage? Perhaps it was because at the back of my head lay a caution not to worsen up the deal.

I agree that I was weak and am guilty of being one when courage was required but the other person was so insensitive when all that was required, was a welcoming gesture. But anything from her was expected but what was not expected from me, was the indifferent attitude that I reflected.

I found that I was a weak person from inside and became weaker when it concerned people I really love and care for. I still am not able to find out what should had I done? Was not reacting good or not?