She could not look back. Eventhough she is carrying a pepper spray in her bag and there was no one around her.

 Often when she passes the unusually deserted short cut road to her violin classes, she had this feeling of being watched by someone. And nothing changed this time.

She held her bag tight, took her phone out and started dialing. For a moment she turned sideways and gave a sneak look at what is happening behind her.

Just void. No one.

With a deep sigh of relief she exhaled. While putting her phone back in the bag she checked time and walked ahead, but this time in a higher pace.

  ***

“Mom, I will be little late today. There is one new competition coming and we have to practice more”

She said while waving hands to her mother and left home early today.

***

“Hey Kavitha, do you think there is enough participation of female instrumentalists even in this 21st century?” Kiran asked.

“I don't think so. Whatever may be the reason, I'm sure it's not because we people are not interested in music as you are” She smiled.

“Yeah right. Anyways it's getting late. should I drop you? or else I can get a taxi for you.”

“Thanks to you Kiran. But it's ok. Just walkable distance from here. I'll manage” She said.

“See you then. Take care. Bye”

“Bye”

***

It is 8 30 pm in clock. Kavitha was sure about the scoldings she is going to hear from her mother once she reach home for being this late. 

She zipped the violin safe in the case and put it in the shelf. Grabbed her bag and notes before she left the room.

The hall way was empty. She reached for the elevator and descended to the ground floor.

It was pretty dark outside. She could see the busy road ahead with people waiting impatiently in their vehicles for the green light to go on.

Kavitha crossed the highway and entered the narrow pocket road which is the short cut to her house.

The old big tree along the roadside gave the look of a giant trapped to stand still and she was grateful that the street light didn't go off.

What Kiran told today was right. I am the only female instrumentalist in our band. I could hear from a lot of girls that they wanted to learn and study guitar, keyboard or violin during my old school days and where are they now? Did they find it difficult? Did they find some other passion? Do their family never wanted them like that? Was it because they are all females? She could not find an answer to the hundreds of questions arising in her mind.

“Do you mind reading this for me child?”

She got tremble and looked back.

[To be continued…]