Woman 1 – What Can I Do For Chandini?

What can I do for Chandini?
What can I do
To bring a chirpy gleam into the tired sunken eyes?
What can I do
To bring a smile on her dried up parched lips?
What can I do
To ease the crease that has become a design on her forehead?
What can I do
To brighten up Chandini’s countenance with a hearty laugh?

When the birds sing in chorus in the early hours of dawn,
Chandini has no time to listen to the sweet twitter tee,
She walks swiftly with pots on her head,
For water! She must fetch from a far off well.
As she walks back, she is reminded of another chore,
A trip on foot to collect wood in the forest!
Chandini rushes back carrying a bundle of dried twigs
To cook food for her entire family!

How can she aspire for a little time,
Just to sit, relax, or stretch her aching legs,
To stare at the trees and admire their leaves;
She has to sweep, swab, dust her house,
Wash clothes and utensils,
So on it continues! The never ending chores!
No siesta or respite from work,
It is only work and work from dawn to dusk!

What can I do
To remind Chandini of her personal wants and aspirations?
What can I do
To make Chandini realise that life is much more than chopping vegetables?
What can I do
To tell Chandini that she is born not just to serve but to be served as well?
What can I do
To point out that Chandini too is entitled to little celebrations of womanhood! !