Remembering her

She was part of my every day life for 4 years. She meant relief to me. I miss Sumati, my ex-maid. My morning used to start with her bright smile and sweet voice.

My landlord shared her contact when I moved to a new apartment few years back. I did not connect with her. I met another maid in our building while moving my stuff and she agreed to work in my house instantly. Few months passed and I was looking for a maid again. There was a dialogue in a Hindi movie , 'A working woman can survive without her husband, but not without her maid'.

Then I met Sumati, an ever smiling young lady with great manners. She used to talk in Tamil and I used to communicate in English. It was genuine willingness that broke the language barrier between us. She used to talk about her school going children, her husband, sister and in laws. I used to leave my flower pots with her during my long absence. I have hardly seen any maid like her who used to derive satisfaction out of cleaning a house aptly. She used to feel doubly joyous seeing me cleaning the spider nets on week ends and used to join me without asking. Some days she used to do some additional cleaning work without expecting any form of appreciation from me.

She had been working in our building for some time and used to take care of common area as well. I remember one Sunday when I was the only person left in the building and pump was not functioning. Sumati was on leave that day. I could not reach my landlord and called her expecting she might direct me to some help. She arrived at my place within few minutes and fixed the pump. During my sick days Sumati used to complete her work quietly and enquire about my health. Some times she used to suggest some home remedies in her best possible English. One day she was late by several minutes and I went to bathroom keeping the main door open. She came to me after finishing her work that day and said I can take my time in opening the door, but I should not compromise on my safety.

I never had much complaint about her punctuality as she used to inform about her schedule ahead of time. I clearly remember that morning. I was back home after a long week end and was waiting for her. She did not come. I called her several times. Finally she picked up the phone. Her husband was admitted to hospital after falling unconscious. He drank heavily the night before. Few days passed, yet no sign of her. I called her again. Sumati informed that her husband was no more. She came after few days. I asked her if she needed more time off. She mentioned taking more leaves might risk her jobs in some places. Her son started working in a garage after school hours. I did not have any means to ease her situation except offering some additional money. Months passed and she continued to attend her work. I used to yearn to see that bright smile. One morning I found her listening to some talks in her mobile while cleaning vessels. I entered the kitchen and she greeted me with that smile, "husband's voice". I watched her doing the chores, leaving the building and walking away with that voice talking in her mobile.

Some more time passed. The day came when I had  to move to another place. It was late in the evening. Sumati was there along with her sister. She helped me in removing some garbage as final step of vacating the house. Part of me knew that we would not meet again. She said bye like every other day.

Life is unpredictable. We work hard for years to give shape to some relationships.  And few people cross our paths and stand by us silently in our need. Every time we may not receive the reward we put effort for, but sometimes we get some unexpected gifts which we may not deserve. This is what makes life beautiful.