Anklet the shackles!

- Thahdeera E.R

Subsequent to my first cry,

I got a pair of anklet as gift.

Granny's fleecy hand touched my feet,

I felt light-hearted.

I saw, uncles and aunties murmuring,

May be because they craved for a Male kid.

Well, I loved the tiny bell,

Mamma smiled at me warmly.

It was an early morn,

Rose water filled flower bed,

Brass vessel was alluring.

I loved that too!

They chanted mantras,

I was bit agitated.

I held granny's hand firmly.

Years later,

I got new pair of anklet,

And I got lil brother too!

I wondered, nobody gave him anklet!

One morning, I went out with him,

I wanted to play football,

Mamma screamed, "don't go out"

Huh?

"Those who wear anklet should not go out "

She justified!

And the anklet became my intimate!

Finally, the day I was waiting for,

I turned eighteen.

I happily unfastened the anklet ,

Granny came with a new pair!

I wondered again!

I was impelled to take my favorite clothes off,

Since it showed my curves!

I was given a sari and I wore it,

"Gorgeous, stunning, beautiful "they complimented!

Perhaps, it was uneasy for me!

Dancing was my passion,

As it was tradition and culture ,

I've conquered many stages with my anklet!

And my granny bragged about it!

One evening,

It was past seven PM

My driver was late to pick me,

I wanted to call a taxi

I always felt scared to travel alone,

Few men passed by me,

They rounded me ,

I screamed out the names of all goddesses and gods ,

No God or goddesses came to me ,

They took my sari off,

I was already gone numb,

With half consciousness,

I could hear my anklet bells .

I didn't open my eyes ,

Nobody woke me up either!

One of my anklet was found in pavement,

It became easier to find my cadaver!