I was new in Hyderabad and I was 18. I had just joined college and was excited about the city, as I had come all the way from Arunachal Pradesh. I wanted to explore the city with my newfound friends. Once we were in a canteen outside our college, and suddenly I noticed a guy, of about my age, staring at me. I was a bit disturbed, but I ignored it as I didn’t know anything else could to be done. We headed back to our campus, and while walking near the library I spotted the same guy again. Was it a coincidence, I wondered but ignored him again and walked past.
The next day, I was walking to the administration building where I had some work, and this time the guy I had noticed staring at me twice before crossed my path and smiled. I had no idea who this was and what he wanted. Later, I told some of my friends about these incidents, and they told me I was being stalked.
<noscript><a href="http://polldaddy.com/poll/9465387/">What would you do if you were stalked?</a></noscript></div><p> </p><p>Stalking? What’s that? I was hearing the word for the first time and my friends described in detail what stalkers usually do. But they also told me, “Don’t sweat it; the guy will eventually lose interest when ignored over and over again.” I was just praying that he would give up as soon as possible; it was creeping me out. Anyway, my friends turned out to be right, as after a month, he was not to be seen anymore.</p><p>I remember I joined a gym some years later and there a middle-aged man would stalk me regularly, but like before I ignored it. Eventually I quit the gym as I had got busy with other things. So that ended there. Since my first experience with stalking, I had had so many stalkers, that honestly, it didn’t seem scary anymore; I had become immune. I only saw stalking as an irritant I had to put up.</p><p>But all that changed when I heard about the Chennai incident where Swathi was hacked to death by her stalker. It brought upon me a wave of terror. I felt shocked when I heard of the Swathi murder. Realisation struck me like a bolt of lightning that I shouldn’t take stalking lightly anymore. I needed to stay alert and be on the guard always.</p><table style="width: 247px; float: left; margin-left: 4px; margin-right: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(0,0,0); border-collapse: collapse !important"><tr><td style="height:25px;line-height:0px;padding:0px !important"><img height="25" src="http://media.newindianexpress.com/readmore.jpg/2016/02/11/article3271929.ece/binary/original/readmore.jpg" width="250" /></td></tr><tr style="height:25px;line-height:20px"><td><p><a href="http://newindianexpress.com/opinion/debate/I-feared-my-parents-would-stop-my-education/2016/07/07/article3518288.ece">'I feared my parents would stop my education'</a></p><p><a href="http://newindianexpress.com/opinion/debate/Dont-know-her-Dont-send-friend-requests/2016/07/07/article3518300.ece">Don't know her? Don't send friend requests</a></p><p><a href="http://newindianexpress.com/opinion/debate/As-I-walk-home-from-the-station-everyday-Im-repeatedly-looking-over-my-shoulder/2016/07/07/article3518289.ece">It was the first time, and it has been haunting me even after 10 years</a></p></td></tr></table><p>Today, when I travel back and forth for my work and encounter stalkers, my imagination takes a scary turn. Many times I have changed my route, although I know it’s not the best solution. Mostly, I ask my male friends to accompany me. But for how long?</p><p>Deep inside, I feel I have to face it all by myself. Many concerned persons have advised me to take the help of the police. But can I trust the cops?</p><p>Once, it was 2 am and my friend called me saying she was ill. As it was late in the night, I was a bit hesitant to go, but there was no one to help her. No transportation was available, and since it was just a kilometre away, I decided to walk. No sooner had I stepped out than a group of men started stalking me. I needed to act. So I called the police. But all they asked was, “What are you doing outside at this time?”</p><p>I disconnected the call.</p><p>(The writer is an intern with The New Indian Express)</p><p><strong>Have you been stalked? <em>writetous@newindianexpress.com</em></strong></p>