A REGULAR MAID:
All of humanity rests on hope and kindness. Whilst, we are ready to lend a helping hand to a struggling actor or a social cause, little do we realize that grandiose gestures of kindness isn’t exactly what the planet needs. A warm nurturing hug, a kind word, a hello or even a heart melting smile is enough to add to the world’s happiness quotient. Mala was a deployed worker at one of big IT multiplexes. Her day began very early, kissing her sleeping children, making breakfast for her family and walking about half a mile to reach the bus stand. She wore a navy blue uniform and her only adornment was a small round of jasmine flowers. Her face and hands looked tired, screaming for love and some rest, yet there was a magical quality about her, every time she smiled it was like the whole world would smile with her such was her endearing nature. She worked hard, cleaning the bathroom floor and the washrooms with labor and exactness.
Women poured in at a steady pace, fixing their makeup, making calls to their better halves or simply venting out their frustration about the unfairness of life and missing out on an important promotion. Mala didn’t know English, but she was well versed in the language of love. She tried her best to exchange smiles and give little words of encouragement every time she found a woman looking sullen. She would say “paravagilla,devaru idare” translating to “don’t worry, God is there!”.
Mala had struggles of her own, yet when she saw these women she would forget her worries and pray that their dreams are fulfilled. One of the employees grew very fond of Mala and decided it was time to return the favor. She used to sneak into the bathroom and spend 15 minutes talking to Mala asking her what bothered her, if she could help in anyway etc. Mala wanted her children to study and work in a gleaming office just like the employee , but she was short of funds . The employee immediately decided to help her and started a fundraiser. Sufficient funds were raised and one fine day the employee calls for Mala . Mala all nervous wondering if she had made a major mistake comes forth with her head bent down ,looking edgy and nervously holding onto her sari pallu.The employee gives her a warm hug and a cheque and a small memento , with the words “ best employee of the year!” embossed in shiny gold color. What goes around comes around!.
