Few Un-Common People!!

    Last year, we employed a cook for our batchelor’s den occupied by three. Her name was Vasantha. She used to laugh at my hindi as I was speaking it with a tilted south indian accent which she was doing too. She was really not a great cook but I learnt from her that she was undergoing a typical telugu film-like family life. She was twenty-one, already a mother of two, eldest being eight years old (mathematics failed me here), married to a drunkard and an old haggard as mother-in-law. But she always entered the house with a warm smile. For woman mostly in India, their world revolves around Pathi-dev and children. Here I am seeing a woman who has seen it all (in Indian context) before she was even eligible for marriage.

      This woman, when she comes a little late to cook, she used to bring in another girl Saritha, a bihari and a young woman too. Saritha is an epitome of innocence. The way she speaks and she wonders about things make me smile or laugh in general. Vasantha and Saritha used to chat while cooking. Saritha used to promptly announce us the things which Vasantha has asked her not to tell anyone. She talks in a kiddish way. But it was shocking to know that she was a mother of another kid and happily married.

      One fine day, Vasantha came. She was late. She informed me about the death of the husband of Saritha. I was really sad. A you girl, a kid and there should be someone to take care of them financially and otherwise.

       Few days went by. Vasantha came in for her usual routine. Saritha came in after some time. She was her usual happy self. She was smiling and she ran into the kitchen to share a joke with Vasantha. She was laughing loud. I know that the sorrow cannot occupy you through out. But I was worried about whether this lady knew the impact of that loss. Life moves on!!

      After few days, I learnt that Saritha re-married.

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