She made me smile

Posted on by Parul Thakur

She made me smile that evening.

I wasn’t expecting her and it would have been okay if she hadn’t showed up. She is honest and regular and I have never had a doubt on her work. To add to that, some times I tell her to take a day off if she wants. I also tell her to skip chores for the day and take it easy. We all do that at work, don’t we?

Two days back, there was a Nepali community event and she was keen on attending. She was sure about coming to work even late in the evening. She said that she would let me know of her plans the following day. I am sure she would have if I wasn’t fast asleep when she came.

The next day, she did not turn up at her usual time. I had a slight idea so I was convinced that she would be around in the evening.  We wanted to step out for shopping so I got ready when the door bell rang. When I heard the water run, I knew she was at work. Within seconds, VT came in and said that she was all dressed up and is in the kitchen washing the utensils.

As I stepped into the kitchen, what I saw flattered me. She attended the event she wanted to and came back to wash the dishes like she had promised. She did not even go home to change. I asked her to leave but she insisted on finishing her work. When I knew there was no point trying, I tied an apron around her so that her saree doesn’t get wet.

This time she smiled and kept on with her job.

With so many conversations about domestic helps and our lives without them, I feel blessed to have Sushila around. People like her make me feel that it is not about the work we do but how we do. Professionalism isn’t just for the office goers.

She made me smile and looked gorgeous in a hot pink saree.

Writing for Yeah Write 335 today and that nudge from Michelle was what I needed to be back to this space. Thank you, Michelle.

30 thoughts on “She made me smile”

  1. IT’s true though – as much as we tend to paint a lot of domestic help with the same brush (and not without reason), I have come across a few who have been thorough professionals in what they do.
    More power to them.

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  4. This is so nice. They really work hard and we need to appreciate them more. Even my help is so sincere that sometimes I force her to take leaves. But she says since M is young she hates leaving me to do everything.

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  5. This is such a sweet story of dedication and you surely are blessed with a very good and hard worker. In retrospect, you respect her as a dedicated worker and recognise her as a human being first. I am sure she appreciates you as much as you appreciate her.
    And yes thats a gorgeous saree.

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  7. You are fortunate to have her and she is fortunate that you appreciate her for what she does! It works both ways, doesn’t it? It is good to see this rare breed of professionals who put in so much sincerity into their jobs that many take for granted.

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  10. So sweet of her .
    Convey my love to her .
    Here in UP scene is different
    Wearing our party wears , we do the household.😢
    What I believe pahari and nepali are v honest and sincere

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    2. I’d written a similar ode to my house helps for the Write Tribe Festival of Words. They being my most important resource.
      This is indeed a befitting post to acknowledge how tirelessly our helps work to make our lives simple and functional.

      Sushila is such a charming lady. More power to her and you for being such a wonderful employer who values her worth.

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  14. I like your generosity to see the positive side of her and appreciate her. Domestic workers are mostly paid less, exploited and work all the days of the week; with no break. I am happy that you are so kind and give her the space and flexible…her smile says it all that she is happy to work at your place:)

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