Helping Hands

It was 8:30 am. The door bell rang. Natasha opened the door. Laxmi was standing there with her smile.

“Today also you are 30 mins late. What is this Laxmi? How can you do this every day?” Natasha said with an angry tone.

“Sorry madam. In the other house there were lot of vessels again today. So, it took extra time to clean them. On top of that she made me wash the balcony twice,” Laxmi explained with a lot of expressions on her face.

“Everyday you have some excuse or the other. I am tired of your excuses. Because of you I am everyday late for preparing breakfast. Now go and get started fast.”

Laxmi rushed to the kitchen to wash the soiled vessels. This was everyday morning routine of the house. Laxmi had been working in Natasha’s house for 1 year now. Natasha would be behind her all the time complaining about her work. Laxmi would give some excuse and move on.

Once Laxmi was finished with her work she went up to dining table where Natasha was sitting.

“Madam, I need some money.”

“Once again! Its just 2nd week of the month. This has become a routine every month Laxmi. Every month you want money in advance.”

 There was clear dissatisfaction in Natasha’s tone. 4 months into her work Laxmi started asking for advance every month on the 3rd or 4th week of the month saying she is not able to manage the finances. Natasha had decided she wont entertain these asks anymore.

“Madam, this month I have to pay fees for my daughter’s school. I want you to help me. Can you please give me 10 thousand rupees? You can deduct 1 thousand every month from my salary.”

“What! 10 thousand! Do you know this is a lot of money? How will you be able to return the amount when you can’t even manage finances with what you are getting?”

“But madam, I want my daughter to study in an English medium school. The missionary school is very good. Its bit expensive for me but I want her to study there.”

“You must not stretch yourself where you can’t manage Laxmi. Put her in a government school and let her study there. Once you start this there will be no stopping of expenses. How will you manage? Don’t go beyond your limits.”

“Madam, I thought you will help me.”

“No, I cannot approve of this. You put her in a government school. No means no.”

Laxmi stared at her face for some time and then slowly walked away. Natasha felt quite happy that she did not give extra money to Laxmi. Her husband used to scold her all the time for being lenient with the maids. Now this time her ask was bit too much, she thought. She thought of telling her husband about her victory today.

Next day morning once again Laxmi came at 8:30 again but today her smile was not there. She listened to everything that Natasha said quietly without a word. Natasha thought she is showing an attitude. She could not see Laxmi’s sad face and broken heart. If she had kept little bit of empathy in her heart she would have seen it. Since she did not have that she decided to keep quiet and ignore her. After day’s work Laxmi left quietly. This went on for few days.

Laxmi had big ambitions for her daughter. She wanted her to study in good school, earn good degree and get a good job, so that, she does not have to work in other people’s houses like her. She was searching for some help that she could get. Natasha’s was the first house she talked. She then spoke in another house and they agreed to pay the money but asked her to do some extra work which will take her 1 more hour. So she decided to talk to Natasha once again.

“Madam, I can come only at 9:30 in the morning starting next month. I have got some extra work in another house.”

“What 9:30? Are you nuts? When will I prepare breakfast and do other things. No no, that’s not working with me. If you cannot come at 8 then I have to think about some other option.”

“Fair enough Madam. You can look for another option starting next month. I will continue for next 10 days.” Saying so Laxmi left.

Natasha was stunned. She did not think Laxmi will be this stubborn in her ask. However, she also could not bend down in front of her. She would start searching for a new maid immediately.

5 days passed. Her husband had to go on a tour for 3 days. Natasha was not feeling very well but the tour was very important which he could not miss.

Next day morning at 8:30 Laxmi came and rang the bell. There was silence for a long time. She rang the bell again. This time Natasha’s 8 year old son opened the door.

“Where is your mumma?” Laxmi asked.

“Something happened to mumma. She is lying on the floor,” he said.

Laxmi rushed to the spot where Natasha was lying. She had very high fever and was unconscious. Laxmi somehow lifted her up an put her in bed. Natasha gained consciousness but was too weak to move from bed. Then Laxmi went to kitchen and prepared some food for everyone. She gave Natasha the food and asked her to take a medicine. She cleaned the vessels and the entire house. She attended to Natasha with whatever household tricks she knew. She did not leave them alone. Whole day she nursed Natasha while taking care of household work. Night Natasha was feeling little better.

“Madam, do you want me to stay back with you?”

“No no Laxmi, you have done more than what anybody could do. I am feeling much better now. Tomorrow morning you can come.”

“OK madam.” Saying so Laxmi left.

Next day she came at 7 in the morning. When she rang the bell, Natasha opened the door.

“How come you are so early today Laxmi?”

“Madam, you were not well. So, I thought I will come to your house and take care of you. I have taken leave in the other house.”

Natasha could not believe her own ears. This was the same lady she had refused to help 6 days back.

“You go and lie down in bed Madam. I will do everything.”

Natasha took Laxmi’s hands in hers.

“Please forgive me Laxmi. I had forgotten humanity. You have taught me today that humanity is above all. Money is nothing. Please forgive me.”

“You are embarrassing me madam. Everyone would have done the same thing that I did. You please now go to bed otherwise you will fall down here itself. You are still trembling.” She slowly took Natasha to her bed and then went to kitchen to start her work.