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!
