THE INVISIBLE WOMEN

FOR 33-year-old Dolly Mandal, from Noida, her day begins long before sunrise. Her alarm rings at 4:30 am, with the house still shrouded in the stillness of early morning.

- Vernika Awal

By then, Dolly is already moving—methodically, quietly. She starts with cleaning: sweeping the floors, wiping down surfaces, and tidying up corners as if it's second nature. Once the house is in order, she heads to the kitchen, where she begins the task of preparing breakfast and lunch for her family. She carefully packs her three-year-old daughter's tiffin box, ensuring it's filled with nourishment and love. After seeing her daughter off to school, Dolly heads out for her first job in a nearby high-rise society, where she works as a cook across five different homes.

Her workday typically starts around 7 am and stretches until 2 pm. She moves from house to house, preparing meals. By the time she finishes her first shift, it's already 2 pm, and she heads back home to share a quick lunch with her daughter. But Dolly's day doesn't end there. By evening, she's back on the job, preparing dinner for the same households. Her shift stretches until 9 pm, and she returns home—exhausted but determined. Even then, her work doesn't stop. It's a never-ending cycle, but Dolly carries it out with a quiet strength and a sense of duty.