Lives in the second wave

What could have happened if as a society we all cared and worked for the well-being of the poor amid the pandemic?

A week ago, Meena lost her job the sixth time. “It’s the second wave, Meena. You may not be knowing how many people are dying each day. But trust me, most of the infection is being carried by maids. Better, you just take off for a couple of weeks,” her employer said. Meena’s son stopped going to the school long ago, and after her husband had to give up the rented autorickshaw, he had been unemployed for more than eight months. A maid’s job is one of the least paid, and Meena tried to compensate by serving as many houses as possible. Her mask was stained with repeated use, and though entry into apartments was barred for those without a proper mask, residents rarely offered one. When her mother passed away in the village, Meena could not go for the last rites as she was afraid of losing her job. For a few months, households had been refusing her one by one, and a week ago, the last bit of her earnings was gone. She walked home, trying to suppress a cough, lost in thoughts of hunger.