The fresh air at the break of dawn does wonders for a human body. Nadia had learnt this, that waking up early and sampling some of that pure air was one of the finest things in life.
Walking down this corridor just around the large courtyard, Nadia could just see glimpses of day breaking through the bleak and dark sky. The day was about to begin. The golden rays of the Sun were emanating all around however the arches and the shade of the corridor blocked most of these. The crease of dawn, however, did illuminate the otherwise dark courtyard.
As Nadia walked through this archway on the left she could see the usual primitive, brick laden courtyard that had patch of freshly trimmed green grass in the middle of the courtyard and a non-functioning fountain with a couple of benches around it, depicted a surreal scene while lined with the golden aura of dawn. The dew that covered the grass looked like precious ornaments. The setting and its time was mesmerising.
On the right, rooms behind bars. The usual! Some vacant where as some occupied. Some had the lights on and some off. Other's lighting just malfunctioned with flickering tube lights. In some cells,Nadia could see the occupant still sleeping on the floor on a straw mat and in others, morning prayers were being offered. Yet in others, recitation of Quran.
Nadia had an escort. Walking behind her in khaki pants and grey top. The usual! They took a right at the end of the arch way and were led into a big, open ground. There were no green patches here and it was mostly dirt ridden. There were some P.C.s patrolling around the area.
She was led to the centre of the ground where there was a raised structure. A few wooden steps leading up to plain square platform. A noose hung over this platform which had a door hatch. Her escort poked Nadia's back with a stick, gesturing up to climb up the steps. Compliance was in order and it followed as per expectation.
20 years had passed. Numerous terms for numerous prisoners had ended along the way, and Nadia had seen them all off one by one. This penitentiary was only for the crème de la crème. Serious offenders only and today was her turn.
Standing there on the platform under the noose, Nadia stood there awe-struck by the vastness of the barren land around her. She recalled the morning she ended the life of her unfaithful husband. Proven by court that she poisoned his tea to do so and not a hint of remorse was exhibited by her, either then or even now.
A calm look around and at the clearing sky followed by a gentle smile and a nod to her escort. The hood went over her face and the noose around her neck. The latch was pulled and the hatch gave way. A struggle ensued and a snap followed. The usual!
To the cawing of the crows, these 20 year old demons were finally laid to rest. That day, where there was one sunrise, there was another sunset.