Long sinewy fingers Typing furiously E-mail after e-mail On a laptop That is falling apart
He happens to pass by He exchanges a pleasantry She does not reply Just continues typing He feels slighted She does not know Her mind on the word flow
Minutes later His patience wears out He begins to shout She seems not to care Or remains unaware That he is around Waiting for a voice a sound Other than her fingers Tapping on the laptop keys
Finally she is done She shuts the laptop Places it in the case And, as if in a hurry To run a race Moves fast across the floor Heading towards the door
He chases behind her But she is too quick On the street She beats a hasty retreat And like a phantom She vanishes into the crowd
She is nameless One more of Mumbai's Unknown working Moms Leaving home early Returning back late Only to start working again For her children and her mate She has no time for pretensions Or his unsolicited attentions
