I was given a big house when I was appointed and transferred from Ahmedabad to Chennai as Bank Manager. I was appointed in the branch in the out skirt of Chennai. So instead of staying in some other area I opted to stay in the house which was less than 3 kilometers from my bank.
The house was on company lease by bank, and was solely used for manger’s residence only. The house was fully furnished with all amenities one need for a small to medium family. But, anyway, I was going to stay alone, because my wife and kids were already well settled in Ahmedabad, wife having her own State Government job and kids in 10th and 12th.
I settled my self in few days. I purchased some groceries and few other things to run my kitchen show. I am fond of tasty food and also know cooking. After few days I understood that I can’t run the show without a helping hand.
I decided I should have a house maid, to do all other work also. That day I went to my grocery man and discussed him about my need for some good house maid. Thinking he may be in touch with someone, because he is in contact with many people in the surrounding.
The other day he sent me one maid, I found her totally like a dirty slum dweller, I didn’t employ her. He sent me one or two other ladies also, but I found all not suitable to a reputation of Bank Manager.
I contacted another grocery shop, from where also I use to purchase few things. He told me that he has some one in mind and he will send her tomorrow to my place.
The other day early morning he came with a lady, she was neither good looking nor a bad one. She was just average looking type of lady, her physical appearance made her look more like a girl. She was little anemic also.
I welcomed both of them wearing a welcome smile. I asked them to settle on the dining table. The shop keeper was in hurry, he introduced her to me, saying she is Pooja, and she is a distant relative of a man who was working as accountant in their shop before five years.
He told me to discuss everything with the lady, and if you found her suitable employ her. He soon asked my permission to leave. I went up to main door to see him off, out of the house he told me that, sir, check her credentials well of your own, I will not be responsible for anything. I don’t know her directly, so I don’t take any responsibility.
I said, ok, don’t worry, I shall check everything before employing. He went. I came inside, and sit before her. I asked her many relevant things and gathered that, she is from a village far off from here about 100 kilometers and she had her husband handicapped due to accident, she has one child of 4 years, her husband’s parents also living with them.
They have small piece of land with farming of vegetables and other cash crops. The land was given by government as Brahmins are considered economically weaker section in that area.
Her husband though invalid, can work a little in the field with the help of some neighbors and everybody; her in laws also help them in doing the same, and all living side by side. To increase their income level and for future of child they wanted to settle in city, so she had come here.
She wanted some type of white collar job, but as she is not S.S.C pass, she can’t get such job, after failing to get such job she now understand that she has to do hard labor work only. She thought that a full time house maid job is not that laborious or below dignity for her.
I showed her the house, and made her know what my expectations were. I told her that, I wanted someone to cook and also do washing of clothes, cleaning utensils and also keep the house neat and clean.
I told her, that if you don’t have a house in the city, you can also stay here, till you bring your family in the city, you can have a separate room. A sign of happiness glitter on her face. I asked her can you do all these. She said, yes sir.
I told her to prepare lunch today, and if I find ok, I shall see if I can employ her. When I took her to kitchen and asked what will you cook, I found that she can cook only South Indian dishes. I told her that you will have to learn many Punjabi and continental dishes and also Gujarati food.
She asked who will teach me. I told her that I can teach her everything. I know all cooking. Sir, I am a fast learner, I can learn everything you guide me. I said ok. That day she cooked nice food for me.
I asked her salary. She told me she needs two thousand rupees. I agreed to her salary and asked from when you will join. She told me that she will come from tomorrow morning.
The other day she came with a small bag in her hand. That was Friday; she cooked nice food for lunch and dinner on Friday also. After dinner we sat on the dining table and asked her, to make list for groceries required. I gave her pen and paper, we both discussed and made brief list for the things required for few days.
I found her handwriting good and without spelling mistake and everything. I asked her why did you not finish SSC, she said her father died on the exam day of English, and she failed in that subject only, in all other subjects she has more than 60 marks.
I asked do you still wish to study further. She said, how its possible sir. I told her that, if she works hard she can do it, I will teach you. Later on you can also graduate from home, I added. She was astonished hearing all this. She said, sir don’t show me unreal dreams. I said, its not dream.
