August 17, 2023
Unstoppable
In the deep slumber of the dark A hand is curled up in one corner of the hallway Resting alongside four pairs of outstretched arms A doorbell at dawn sets her day in motion.
A measure cup fills the pot till an inch from the brim The gas knob is turned right in time, before the milk comes to a boil Babbling bubbles cover the rustic edges of the pail She is sixth in queue to finish her morning business.
Hisssssss goes the pressure cooker amidst sounds of bucket splashes Four lunch boxes lay open on a granite countertop Moving through a passage filled with baby cries and elderly chatter She sets out on yet another long day.
Flesh is oozing on both sides of the strap secured on her shoulder Her hand clutches the bag as she paces to get on a BEST Just as she pulls her dupatta to wipe her sweat Another long, tedious journey awaits her.
The back of her slip-ons rub against the rounded edges of the stairs In between hushed breaths, the view of the halting train magnifies Shoving through sweaty armpits, squeals and stares filled with venom She manages to wrap three fingers around the partially idle grab handle.
Honks and vehicular smoke conveniently fill the air Open manholes lengthen her walk to her work Before she can catch her lost breath Twiddling thumbs and buzzing phones grab her attention.
Deadlines and then more deadlines; one after one more A guise of spiritedness takes her over She competes for time against the sun Little does she know that she is the ray of hope for many
Maybe calling her a multi-tasker would be too mainstream Her being goes beyond her many roles and the work she accomplishes Maybe the term superwoman limits her existence to a gender stereotype Her power and resilience go far deeper than what the world needs of her Maybe she is nature’s hope during storm and happiness during sunshine Maybe because she is a force that remains unstoppable
