Here is the first interview on Talk and Speak. We are beginning neither with a celebrity nor a politician, rather with a sex worker whose dreams and aspirations were shattered in the run for survival.

Nalini, 45, was born in a village in the district of Kollam. Her father was a daily wage worker and mother used to work as a house maid. She had 2 sisters who were 5 and 10 years younger to her. Life was considerably smooth until Nalini's father passed away while she was 20. Her mother couldn't raise the family with the small wages she made. On a tragic day, Nalini's family bid farewell to the world leaving her behind to face its challenges. Her life from then was tragic and pathetic. Let us ask her about the rest of her life.

Note: Her words are edited and translated for a better presentation.

Talk and Speak: How did you move on since their expiry?

Nalini: I was all worried realizing my family was no more. I tried to find jobs at houses where my mother worked. But nothing turned out well. I couldn't find a job. I spent several days without food. An eventually started to beg on the streets. It was then, a man came and offered me a job as a housemaid. In that sitution, I did not give a second thought to it. I accepted his job and left to Thrissur to work as a housemaid. They took me to an apartment were I was locked without food and water for several weeks. I was beaten an tortured. I couldn't call for help as I was all tied up and taped. They wanted me to sell myself for the people who visited the apartment day and night. Out of helplessness I had to keep quiet.

Talk and Speak: How long did you have to stay there?

Nalini: I spent almost 6 months there and I finally managed to escape out of that apartment.

Talk and Speak: How did you manage to escape?

Nalini: One of my clients had a good heart and he helped me escape out from there. He managed to beat the only guy who was there and we ran out. He then left me at the bus station.

Talk and Speak: How did you have a trust in him? Where did you go after that?

Nalini: I had nothing to loose, so I took the only option I had. I left to Thiruvananthapuram from there and tried for various jobs. People did not accept me as my identity was not clear. I eventually fell into prostitution again.

Talk and Speak: Did you want to live a normal life? Couldn't you find any daily wage jobs instead of prostitution? Were you happy with the life you lived?

Nalini: What if I was not happy?? Would you come and give me a life I wished to live? Sir, no one in the world does this with a happy heart. We are all brought into this by the circumstances. Finding a job isn't easy. Try getting on to the streets, you will understand. As every women, even I had a dream of a decent life with a family.

Talk and Speak: What type of people were the frequent visitors? What age group?

Nalini: There are no age groups. Men of 18 to 50 visited me. Not everyone had the intention of sex. Some of them want mere relationship advises. Where as some wanted some time alone.

Talk and Speak: How did you rehabilitate?

Nalini: As I earned enough to live, I left that job and bought a small shop where I sold pappads that I prepared. I earn enough for a day's meals. I feel happy now. Life seems to be smooth these days.

Talk and Speak: What is your message to the world and especially the women?

Nalini: It is not like before, now women have ways to survive, there are places to go for shelter. They don't really have to fall into all this. Try to earn a living and live a decent life with happiness and peace. And the society plays a major role.

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This is not the story of a single women. There are millions suffering. If you can save one, that would make a change. Work for a better nation!