Ashwini reached office around 7:30 AM that day, she had left office last night at 9 PM. Their project was going live in one or two days, so work was very hectic these days. They start early and are working very late through the evening. She is keeping her fingers crossed for today and hopes Kapil behaves properly today. She had ignored his advances all these days, but she was appalled by his actions last night. They had to share the office cab last night while going back home and he tried to touch her inappropriately. She politely asked him not to repeat such an action. When she reached home, she was truly disturbed, and her husband had observed that. She did not talk about Kapil’s behavior but instead lied to her husband complaining about work pressure and deadlines. She could not sleep too. She was in her thoughts when she realizes Kapil is staring at her from his desk and she feels creepy under his gaze, but she keeps quiet.
Kamla reaches the fifth floor and rings the doorbell. Usha opens the door and starts scolding her, “Kamla Bai, you are late today also. It is already 7:30 AM, Minti must catch the school bus by 8 and her lunch box is still not ready. We also must leave for office early today”. Kamla says, “Madame, I will make everything ready in no time, do not worry”. Usha asks, “And, why is your forehead and nose swollen? Did your husband hit you again? Why don’t you complain against him?” Kamla keeps quiet and continues with her chores. Kamla has three kids to feed and a drunkard husband who abuses and beats her almost daily at nights. But she cannot leave him. Where would she go? At least he provides her shelter.
Usha and Varun leaves for office. Kamla locks their flat after her tasks are completed and runs to third floor. Meera opens the door and lets Kamla in. Every day, Meera opens the door with a smile which never reaches her eyes. From the other room, Meera’s mother-in-law yells, “Where is my medicine?” Kamla goes about her chores and Meera goes to serve her mother-in-law. The insults to Meera continues, “My son is working so hard every day and slogging day and night outside. With his hard-earned money, you are just enjoying a luxurious life. You could not give birth to a son also. With two daughters, we will have to pay so much dowry. You did not bring a penny to this house. On top of that, you also need a maid to do the household chores. Why can’t you do sweep and mopping? Whole day, what do you have to do?” Since last twelve years of her marriage, Meera had been the recipient of all these insults. She also knows that Arvind is having an affair with another woman. She swallows the painful lump rising in her throat and goes about her daily chores in her husband’s house.
“Madame, will you give my payment today?” Meera replies apologetically, “I will give you tomorrow”. Kamla empathizes with her and leaves. She rings the bell of the next house where she works. Arpita warily peeps at the intruder and then opens the door to let Kamla in. As soon as Kamla enters, she hears Kavita’s cries from the other corner of the house. Arpita cautions her, “Do not go that side”. Kamla sighs thinking it will not be the right time to ask for her payment today. She carries on with her tasks but feels miserable by Kavita’s sobs and pleas for help from the other end. Arpita is sitting on a rocking armchair with a magazine but she seems unfazed with the events running in this house. Arpita and Vignesh, are married for last 30 years and do not have a child of their own. Three years back, they had adopted Arpita’s orphaned niece, Kavita. Kavita was ten years old then. But Vignesh is not a good man. He had showered all his lecherous instincts upon Kavita and had been assaulting the poor child all this time.
Vasu reaches home after picking up their son, Karthik, from his school. Vasu runs his start up business from home. His business is doing well from some time now and he believes he can afford their luxurious life but fails to understand why his wife is being stubborn on continuing her job. Of late, Ashwini has been very busy in office and often comes late at nights and only talks about deadlines. Whenever he talks about taking a vacation, she snaps and tells about this project being her baby, how this will progress her career and why she should not take a vacation before it goes live. He has a suspicion that she is hiding something from him. “Is she having a secret affair with somebody?” The doorbell rings, “It’s Kamla Aunty, Papa!” Vasu replies, “Okay, Karthik. Go and finish your homework. Kamla Tai, first you finish preparing the food then do the cleaning”. Kamla asks, “OK, Sir. Is Madame coming late today also?” “Yes, she will be late, but she has asked me to give your payment today. So, before leaving take it from me”.
Ahalya was cursed ages ago to turn into a stone. She was named, Ahalya, which means “one with no ugliness” and had been Creator’s prized possession. Today also, Ahalya is not ugly but is a stone and must wait for centuries for salvation. She does not breathe, has no feelings and does not voice her thoughts.
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