Black and blue #22

Stalker #1

It all started when I started walking to school, as a teenager, in Mumbai.

I had secured admission to higher secondary at an elite school, on merit, and was getting a full scholarship to finance my studies.

The school was nearby our home, and my Mom wanted to save up after investing everything my parents had to buy our new apartment.

So I offered to walk to school.

The last thing I expected was to be followed every morning, by a man on a bike.

Initially, it was just honking loudly and deliberately, as he whizzed past me, walking on the sidewalk.

I ignored it, thinking he would let it go.

I was so wrong.

- Prachi Percy