Spotless day

Some of the windows were open. Few people were seen on the balcony. They look tired as they passively survey the scene. An infant wailed unexpectedly startling the crows on the far end of the window sill. The mother tried to comfort it as she carried her inside. Hot days have become unbearable as the power cut last whole day. Dust caught up in the sudden swirl gain momentum to carry scattered garbage across the empty street. It’s been like this for months. Vehicles parked outside had gathered dirt. A youngster howled from window which was echoed by another. They played this for few minutes. They got tired. They sat there looking at nothing. A young man sang a song, some people joined in as if in desperation. It withered away. The lone tree shed its leaf. It float in air like some rudimentary boats crushing in rough sea and settle at bottom. The carpet of dry leafs became the playground for two stray dogs. The dogs chase each other for mock fight. They look well fed. They were wiling away in anticipation. You could gather from the keen crows that something was about to happen. The kid stare at the dogs. Although you wouldn’t know if he was staring at the dogs or the leaves, or nothing. Two common mynas settled on the inviting amputated arm of the tree that jutted into the sky. They chatter. You could sense an excitement running through the building. As if some wave of communication pass through them alerting of the event. Closed window were getting opened quietly. Men moved their chair to get a better view. Dogs stopped their mock fight and stood still. The crows stopped their caw, and gave impression of about to fly away from the lurking danger. Two gun shots were heard. It came from the corner window. You could tell from the stream of dispersing smoke. It hit the birds. Two balls of feather explode. They fell down like dead weight. They fluttered briefly on the ground. Their in vain attempts propel dry leaves and dust. The dogs pounce and tore them in an adept routine. The blood drip from its jaws. Crows disperse in great violation.  The brief pause broke in celebration from the windows and balconies. The clapped and whistled. They then went silent. They returned to their boredom. Windows were closed. Balconies were empty. Some children linger to watch the dogs fight over the carcass. Man on the next window kept an eye on the empty branch. It was his turn.