Theme: "Help me.----Her smile screamed"
In the palatial building in a posh locality of the city, Payel prepared tea, her hands trembling. Her husband's angry words from the night before echoed in her mind. She carried the tray to the living room, where her in-laws sat, discussing family matters. Her husband glanced at her, his gaze a warning. Her bangles hid the marks on her wrists, the bruises on her back were hidden by her sari. She served tea with practiced grace, her heart pounding.Her neighbour, Ranjana, entered the living room for some work. Ranjana noticed Payel's forced smile and the flicker of fear in her eyes. "Help me." Her smile screamed, but her lips remained silent. Payel squeezed Ranjana's fingers, a silent cry for help. Ranjana nodded subtly, fully understanding. While leaving, she whispered, "I will be back tonight." Payel's heart swelled with hope, knowing she wasn't alone.
At night, Ranjana again entered the palatial building; but this time she was not alone. The members of the Prevention of Cruelty Against Women accompanied her.