Superwoman

Reha, my wife, called me from washroom. I ignored her at first, feigning as if couldn't catch up her words. She yelled that time which instantly brought me to the door of washroom. The door was slightly azar, Reha standing with an irritating face, completely naked, holding the bucket with full of washed clothes. 

We have bought washing machine four months earlier and Reha uses it occasionally keeping huge electric consumption it incurs in mind.

Our trusted maid whom we fondly called Didi had taken a leave of more than one month. Her husband had kidney ailment, had to be hospitalized, where he died consequently. 

Reha is a working woman. Her demanding duty notwithstanding she ensures the household chores taken care of without any procrastination. 

Reha's love for me is being taken as granted. Diwali gifted me some off day from my tuition. I could have easily helped her in discharging household chores. I kept my self-busy in my own world. 

Reha asked me to take the clothes to the roof for drying. 

I obliged dutifully, went upstairs and started my job. I also found some joy from being free sometimes from my boring life.

I picked up the first stuff. It was her night gown. I squeezed out the water from it and spreaded on the rope. I thought given the paucity of her time she must have washed a few clothes. Not at all. She had painstakingly washed not only her stuff but our clothes also. So, there must be more than fifteen clothes altogether.  

I felt pity for her and ashamed of myself. I thought at least I could beautifully conclude the process of washing clothes by doing my job meticulously. The very thought of it gave a fillip to my inner joy. I started singing loudly without caring about the tune. I am still in love with her. I danced a bit as well, thanked God for giving me the greatest gift he could have ever bestowed on me. 

I came downstairs after full 10 minutes only to find my dear was ready for job! Superwoman indeed. I came closed to her, hugged to her utter surprise and planted a tender kiss on her forehead. My daughter, who had been watching television made out a loud shriek! We laughed heavenly.