The Empty Lane

"I walk this empty lane, on the crumbles of my fate, dignity, pride, and shattered life. After all, whose life is a bed of roses, neither mine nor yours, I create life, you crave for it."

Her mind was as empty as the street, she was walking on right now, it felt strange for her to see the streets empty today, normally this was the scene at her place, every morning till afternoon. The grumbling in her stomach brought her back to reality, she quickened her pace, her mind raced past her, to an unknown world, a place where she was free. She let out a sigh, she checked herself again in the shoddy glass window pane of a barbershop, she was dressed for the occasion, no doubt about it, just like the day one, when she approached the same house as a bride, ready to start a life, she was 16 then. Today at the age of 36, she was walking the same lane, all empty, deserted like her life, as if the energy and vigor have been sucked out of it just like it was taken from her at the age of 16. She reached the bungalow, her heart beating a little louder now, with the pace and with nervousness. She was about to call the watchman, but before she could do any movement, the gates opened, she entered the compound, knowing very well that the watchman jeered at her backless blouse, he was drowned in his own fantasies, she knew her potent. She was ready to work, "her work". Rao Bahadur, Junior was standing at the door, waiting, his eyes were full of desire and lust, checking her from top to bottom.

She reached towards him, stretched her hand, he handed her a cover, heavy laden with papers, enough for her children to sustain through this month, she smiled, swallowing her pride, her dignity and laid herself for him, just for living, emptying her mind, just like those lanes, thinking about the smiles her kids would have when she will reach them...