By Goutam Ghosh
Nandini is a maid who battles through life — literally. Her mason husband prefers to knock himself out every evening with cheap grog, whether he has work or not (and there was a time when he would knock Nandini out as well till her sons — Ravi and Veera — grew up and threatened to leave their father only with his gums to wrestle with food).
There is no electrical connection in her house for years. But despite these hurdles, Nandini is brutally honest. She has every reason to pamper her needs with undetected dishonesty, but she never gives in to temptation. She maybe a shade mechanical with the washing and cleaning responsibilities, but you could leave your wallet and almirah keys with her and nothing would be ever disappear. And she never takes leave unless she is desperate. Like any mother, she dreams of her sons making it big some day. Ravi and Veera walk in sheepishly one day.
Ravi, Veera: Good morning, aunty.
Shraboni (the mistress of the house): Good morning. Sit both of you. Ravi, your mother says that you may be sent out of school?
Ravi: Yes, aunty. I am not able to study. There is no electricity in my house.
There is no electrical connection in her house for years. But despite these hurdles, Nandini is brutally honest. She has every reason to pamper her needs with undetected dishonesty, but she never gives in to temptation. She maybe a shade mechanical with the washing and cleaning responsibilities, but you could leave your wallet and almirah keys with her and nothing would be ever disappear. And she never takes leave unless she is desperate. Like any mother, she dreams of her sons making it big some day. Ravi and Veera walk in sheepishly one day.
Ravi, Veera: Good morning, aunty.
Shraboni (the mistress of the house): Good morning. Sit both of you. Ravi, your mother says that you may be sent out of school?
Ravi: Yes, aunty. I am not able to study. There is no electricity in my house.
