In search of a maid...

This week's post is written by friend Hema a.ka. Vyshali. When I read this writing, I was so amazed at the simplicity of life, that I couldnt help sharing this with all of you. Hope you all enjoy this post as much as I did . And thank you Hema for letting me share this!

I looked at the pile of dishes. My maid had not turned up and my kitchen was a mess. I said to myself - I am gonna love myself and I am going to get another maid instead of doing all that labor myself. I stepped out of the house and walked up to a petty shop near my house run by a woman called Laxmi. She usually keeps information of who's who and while I bought bread I asked her if I would find a maid to do my house work. She gave me a blank look for a moment and then her eyes shifted beyond me -she began waving out, making signs to someone. A woman appeared from nowhere and startled me with her loud voice.

Laxmi asked " Lata, this madam (me) needs your help, will you go?"

The woman waved her hand frantically saying "No", and that she was too busy. And then she began to rant about all the chores and work she had lined up for the day.

I asked her to calm down and said " I am standing only about a feet away from you and I can hear you. Can you speak softly please ? Instead of you having to explain how much work you have ,maybe you could step in my house and do the dishes while I listen to you, that way you will get some extra money as you tell your story and my work will get done"

She smiled and she followed me into my house and began her work.

She took me seriously and began telling me about her. “I am loud I know, but I heard loud people are honest and I like being that way. I have one drunkard husband and two kids and they go to school. I help them with their homework in the evenings, which is why I am in a hurry to finish my work before 3.00 pm. I have a father who met with an accident and broke his leg few months ago for which I borrowed Rs 80,000 and I finished paying Rs. 60,000. I take care of my husband and all my bills. Taking care of my husband includes his drink and beedi for the day. If that does not happen he beats me up - see this mark - he tried to beat me up yesterday"

I raised my eyebrows and asked her “Lady you are running the show so why do you need him?" She said, "I have a daughter and tomorrow she needs to be married. In our society she has a better chance with her father around. All he asks is for his drink and beedi. If it gives my daughter a brighter future I am willing to take care of another person in my house."

She did the dishes with lightening speed - a neat and organized job it was. All plates, spoons, vessels sorted size wise.

She was not too bothered how much I was going to pay her. She was at the door and was already smiling at another person who was her friend I suppose, conversing loudly with her already. She took the money I offered, gave me a hearty smile, waved at her friend to stop and began walking towards her.

I kept watching her until she went out of sight!!