By Tanvi Desai

The number of steps in the stairs was the number of years it took for the courts to reach a solution, maybe even more. Each step she took ahead was witness of the number of people who snubbed her, of the time she spent fighting for her own rights, of those waiting to mock and ridicule her. But for each reason to back down from the fight, Aradhana Parkash had a reason to go on- the injustice done to her best friend, Ruchika Girhotra.

Ruchika Girhotra was like any other teenager, living with her family, spending time with her friends and dreaming on her future. A future she never had because not only was she molested by the Inspector General of Haryana, S P S Rathore, he also harassed her family, driving her to commit suicide three years after she was molested. Aradhana Parkashhad fought a battle for 19 long years, in order to gain justice for her friend. Imagine being a woman in this country, whose friend was not only molested but also committed suicide. Even the biggest chauvinist would agree that the status of women in India leaves a lot to be desired. Women are raped, bought and sold like sheep, abused physically, mentally and emotionally in every corner of this country and have been treated this way since centuries. Suffering abuse and torture at the hands of a loved one, or strangers kills a part of her, but very few would have the courage to knock on the doors of the courts to get justice. Not because they are wrong, but because they fear society.

Aradhana Parkashhad could have suffered her pain in silence, and she did suffer silently for 19 years. But she refused to let fate run its course; she refused to wait for God to punish her tormenters, her friend’s killer. She took the matter into her own hands, and created her own fate. She embarked on a 19 year journey, a fight for every injustice done to women in this country. Along the journey, her parents departed for another world and all she was left with were the values they had given her, and her sisters memories. Thousands of people supported her decision and fight, yet she was alone. People mocked her, ridiculed her. Her footsteps never faltered.

If Aradhna wanted, she would have continued the game- the game of power and mockery of the justice system and Rathore so wanted to play. She could have played the game on his terms, and benefitted. She could have settled down in her life in Australia after her marriage. But she chose not to play the game. Because for her it wasn’t merely a game. It was a never ending friendship. She continued her battle even when moved to Australia, and she won. Although her fight is not over yet, she has managed to turn the game into her favour, and has managed to win the battle, as for now.

There are many quotes on how a woman inspires individuals. But none of how she revolutionizes the world. But if there were, it could be used to describe Aradhna Parkashhad.