Life8217;s tough!

Public toilets are simply a sham. For the drains do not work and overflow perennially. If one has to use them, one has to cross the seeping drain water 8211; the breeding grounds for infection and disease 8211; to enter.

Filth, stench, water shortage and addictions are constant factors that are punctuated with the few and far between festivals8230; the perfect excuse to get away from the uncomfortable realities and live a life that for a few moments resembles a normal one.

But despite being dragged into the cesspool of a sub-human existence, life goes on. Right next to the garbage bin is a little board that advertises the services of a beauty parlour. Veronica Shelke runs this parlour from her jhopadpatti. In a small eight-by-10-feet room, she has two chairs and a wall-to-wall mirror. Says she, 8220;I get three to four customers daily and on festivals, maybe 10 to 12.8221; Shelke started with an investment of Rs 3,000 and nets in 2,000 to 4,000 a month.