object of despair

Emma is a lawyer and so is Aisha too. Those colleagues going into court at circa half past two. Its 1 O'clock right now. They grab a bite before the trial.

They chat about this and that. Conversing with a smile. Aisha is in full hijab with a loose all over suit. Emma's in her business wear with accessories taboot. Emma's really quite bemused at Aisha's godly ways. She looks Aisha in the eyes and very firmly says,

''You're a smart girl Aisha Why do you wear that across your hair? Subjugated by "man"- kind of like an object of despair! Take it off, my sister... Let your banner be unfurled. Don't blindly follow all around. DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM TO THE WORLD."

Aisha is amazed. But not the least bit shy. She bravely puts her milk shake down and gives Emma the reply,

"My dear sister Emma, Why do you dress the way you do? The skirt you're wearing round your waist, is it really you? Now that we've sat down, I see you tug it across your thighs, don't you feel ashamed? Aware of prying eyes? I see the way you're sitting, Both legs joined at the knees, who forces you to sit like that? Do you feel at ease? I'll tell you who obliges you to dress the way you do. They are Gucci, Klein and St. Laurent, etc... All have designs on you! In the main, its men my friend who dictate the whims of fashion, generating all the garb to incite the basest passion. It is "Sex Sells" and there is no doubt, But who buys with such great haste? The answer is the likes of you, because they want to be embraced. They want to be accepted. On a level playing field, sure with brain and intellect but with body parts revealed.

Intelligence and reason are useful by and by but if you want to make a mark, stay appealing to the eye, you claim your skirt is office like a business dress of sorts. Would we not laugh at Tony Blair if he turned up in shorts? His could be the poshest pants Pinstripe from Saville Rowe but walking round like that my friend. He'd really have to go. Why do you douse yourself with creams to make your skin so milky? Why do rip off all your hair to keep your body silky? A simple shower's all you need to stay respectable and clean.

The time and money that you spend is really quite obscene. Why do you wake up at dawn to apply a firm foundation, topped with make up and the like in one chaotic combination? And if you should have to leave the house, devoid of this routine! Why do you feel so insecure? That you should not be seen? Be free my sister Emma. Escape from your deep mire.

Do hijab today, my friend and all Islam's attire. Avoid all those sickly stares or whistles from afar. Walk down the street with dignity. Take pride in who you are. Strength lies in anonymity. Be a shadow in the crowd until you speak and interact when your voice will carry loud. You're a smart girl, Emma. Wear this across your hair. Don't be subjugated by "man"- kind of an object of despair to use your very words my friend."