I found a maid who said she doesn’t want any leave during the year.
And then the catch:
She wanted annual leave to go to her parents’ home during Durga Puja.
Yes, even though I would do anything to get out of eating fish and roshogolla, there’s still a Bong in me, who went all mushy about going “home” during Pujo..
I was so glad about her still managing the annual trip that I said yes and turned away to stifle a poignant memories...
I forgot about it as the months went by, till “that time” of the year came around.
She had booked her tickets, and planned to reach her village two days before Shashti, confirm the dates for Kali Puja (Diwali), since it was the only time in a year that she could spend with her family, and then book her return ticket.
I did hit the panic button then, googled the dates for Kali Puja and offered to book her return ticket online…
OK, so if Kali Puja is on 17th, would you know when is Bhai Phota (Bhai Dooj)???
Ahemmmm (nostalgia definitely has it limits) it should be on 19th…
Okkk can you book my ticket on the 20th?
Done
…before she could think about the next event on the festival calendar.
So as my maid completes her Puja shopping and packing, I start getting prepared to wake up an hour earlier in the morning and pack up an hour later for the evening, for the next month and a half.
Although I am dreading this time, I can’t help admire this lady who earns a fraction of what I do, giving it all up to go back to her roots to spend time with her friends and relatives, knowing that many of the odd jobs that she is leaving, will not be waiting for her…
She knows that she’ll lose out on a lot of money but is sure that this is what is more important to her and that she can always get another job.
I envy her sooooooooooooo much!
Oh wow! 'I can’t help admire this lady who earns a fraction of what I do, giving it all up to go back to her roots to spend time with her friends and relatives, knowing that many of the odd jobs that she is leaving, will not be waiting for her…' - That is true - how many of us will be able to do that.. But then again as you say, she knows that she will get another job easily..
ReplyDeleteDurga Puja brings back so many memories for me.. I grew up around Bengalis.. My best friends, neighbours , our family friends were all Bengalis - so Durga Puja was something we used to celebrate with even more enthusiasm than Onam :) I miss all that.. And it's been more around 15 years since I celebrated Durga Puja..
Yes I envy her sense of job security-but that's still taking a risk. Most of us cannot do it!
ReplyDeleteDurga Puja holds a lot of memories for me too-but even going back home is not the same, because most of the people around have scattered away.
Isn't it ironical, I'll be in Kerala for this Durga Puja :)
Hats off to her! She, for one, knows whatz more important in life! She treasures celebrating occasions with her loved ones!
ReplyDeleteI love attending the Durga Puja pandals .. the festive atmosphere, the nice arati its all wonderful :)
Yeah Swaram-This one has got her priorities right!
ReplyDeleteI think what I like most about Durga Puja is that it is such a community celebration...besides all that you have said.