Our Weapon: Self- Defense

 

Mia was running in the narrow lane towards her house. Her heart was pumping loudly nearly drowsing her pursuer’s footsteps. She ran ahead, not daring to look back, expecting to be caught any second. She reached the end of the lane and turned right towards her home. Her home her sanctuary. She crossed the porch, gravel crunched under her tennis shoes and finally she reached the door. She fumbled with the keys but was able to unlock the door in the first attempt. She pushed the door and scrabbled inside. Bolting the door behind her she sat on the doormat and heaved a sigh of relief. Her breathing eased but her heart was still pumping madly like a caged bird. She stood up, composed herself and looked out of the window. There was no one out there. It was now the fourth day when those phantom footsteps had followed her.

She and her mother had shifted in this house just a week after her father’s death. Her father’s death had been a huge blow for the sixteen-year-old girl. Mia’s mother had to start a job in this town after this incident. Their neighborhood housed most of the elderly and hence, Mia had no friend here. She was alone throughout the day as mom used to return late.

She went in her room and fresh tears streaked down her face. She was scared to go to school. Going to school meant crossing the narrow lane, feeling queasy and then running. Running away from him. Though she never had a look at her pursuer, but she knew it was a man. His heavy breathing said it all.

That night her mother came home well after dinner time, still she went down to talk to her. Mom appeared tired, dark circles were present below her eyes. Mia sat down next her mom looked up she smiled and asked, “So, how was your school today?” “It was amazing mama; we learnt many things and I made new friends at school too”, replied Mia. Mom spoke happily, “That’s great dear.” Then Mia sobered up. “But mom I am scared,” she spoke timidly. “What’s the matter sweetie?” asked mom. Mia told her about the stalker. Mom listened solemnly. After the narration was over mom told Mia, “Sweetie, I should have told you this a long time but somehow I never got a chance. You should not be scared by anyone. You are now a big girl it’s time you learnt to be strong too. I can’t be with you always. Nevertheless, self-defense's something that everyone should learn. If someone attacks you then follow these steps; hit, flee, and scream for help. Remember sweetie that help would only be given if you scream for it.” Mia understood and went up to bed. The conversation still echoed in her ears. She kept repeating these steps. Her these positive thoughts and warm bed helped her fall into a peaceful sleep.

Next morning mom had left a note on the table explaining that she had to go on an early shift, so Mia had to walk to her stop on her own. She got ready pretty early and then braced herself to go out. She walked quickly down the narrow lane, but she met no one. She was glad to see her bus stop. Near her stop was a big house. As this town was new for her, she really didn’t know who lived here. But today there was a man watering the plants in the garden. He gave Mia a smile which appeared very creepy. Mia shuddered the man could have easily been her stalker, but she was able to divert her thoughts as the bus arrived and she was more than happy to get on it. The whole day was over quite soon and before she knew the bus had dropped her back at her stop. Mia looked around there was just a man wearing dark sunglasses and sitting on the railing. No one was present on the streets; the afternoons were quiet in this neighborhood. She hitched her backpack higher and moved towards her home. She saw the man get up and walk towards her. She started to run but the man had already held the strap of her backpack. He whispered menacingly, “If you come quietly girl then you won’t be harmed.” But instinct told Mia that this was not the time to stay quiet. She instantly dropped her bag it hit the man on his foot. He shouted in agony as the heavy books crushed his feet. He took out his knife and lunged at her. Mia jumped aside and started screaming. She screamed for help. She screamed like she never had. The man was gaining on her she still had her water bottle in her hands. Instinctively, she threw it at the man’s face and then she started to run. She didn’t stop screaming as she ran away from him. She ran even faster today knowing that danger was just inches away. 

Up ahead she saw more men coming. She was panicking now; it was okay to tackle one person down but taking down five-six of them was not possible. She banged the doors on both sides of the narrow lane. She didn’t care if the people in there were strangers... all that mattered now was help. Adrenaline kept her going. If someone would have clocked her speed right now she would have easily won a gold medal in any sprint. Her cries were answered, people came out of their houses and looked upon the scene of trouble. The crooks seeing so many people decided to flee from that spot. Their leader (the man wearing sunglasses) too decided to make a beeline but was caught flat-footed by the man who was watering plants in the big house.

The police arrived and they gave a salute to the man holding the crook. Mia was confused by this. Seeing her bewildered expression, the man spoke kindly, “Well it so happens young lady that I am a police inspector.” Mia sighed with relief her anxiety was leaving quickly now that she knew she was safe. The Inspector praised her for her fast action. Everyone around applauded. Mia blushed a little. The inspector said, “Young lady your action was indeed commendable, and you helped us catch this convict and now we would be able to round up his gang too. This was gang of child traffickers. It appears that they have been watching you for some time and then today they tried to ambush you but of course you thrashed them.” Mia smiled and was glad that her instinct helped implement her mother’s instructions. She looked about every resident was smiling kindly at her and a warm feeling filled her heart as she realized that this neighborhood was now no longer strange for her.