Sadhna tucked in her shirt and tied up her hair in a bun. Three tiffins were packed and kept on the kitchen table. She was running around and sipping her tea in between as she passed through the table.
“Rekha, Rishi, chala hurry up, put your tiffins in your tiffin bag, and leave. The bus will arrive in no time now.”
“Ho Aai,” (yes mother) responded Rekha; she took her tiffin and helped her younger brother with his tiffin. Sadhna heard the honking of the school bus and panicked. She hurriedly packed her things, and all three of them ran together to the bus waiting on the pavement. She kissed her kids on the cheek and boarded them on the bus. Now she ran towards the bus stop to catch her bus to her job.
She was not late. The bus also arrived on time; luckily, she got a seat to sit that day. After taking a ticket from the conductor, she got lost in her thoughts. Her heart always raced when she was at work. She was a housekeeping supervisor, and she was not very commanding by nature. She had a bunch of housekeeping staff working under her. She managed her work very well but was still afraid that the client would raise any complaints regarding cleaning. They were ruthless when they found a mistake, so she made sure they didn’t find a single spot on the toilets or dust on the passages and carpets.
I once asked her, “Sadhna, I have never seen you sit unless you are having food. Take a break once in a while. Why are you always so worried?”.
“Madam, I am a single mother. I left my husband because he is a drunkard, and it was affecting my children’s studies, and it will hamper their future as well. I had to make that tough decision for their sake. Now, my brother does support me, but he has family too. I would hate to be a burden on him; I want to be independent and take care of my kids alone. I cannot risk losing my job, whatsoever.”
“I am sorry to know this Sadhna. Is the divorce finalized? Is it over for good?
“Ho Madam”
“If it is over, why are you still wearing the mangalsutra?”
She wore a sad smile and said “Madam, it is very difficult to answer everyone. They ask if you have kids, then how is it that you are not married? You know how people are; the first thing they notice about a woman is if she is wearing a license of marriage or not. It is like a tag that is given to women based on which they are judged further.”
“Hmm, that is true. Do you think about another marriage? I asked.
“Nahi Madam, my kids are my life now. My brother tells me to get married. I am just 28 now, and I do dream of being with a good man. If my brother finds someone who will accept my kids, maybe then, I will marry again.”
She smiled and rushed again to carry on her work.
As the day concluded, and I was about to leave I saw her at the gate. Her shirt was tucked out and her long hair was put down till her waist like waves. I offered her a lift halfway, and she readily agreed.
As she got down, she said, “Madam, ya ghari Gauri pooja la” (come home for Gauri Pooja).
“Sadhna, when will you get time for the preparations?”
“I will manage it after office. My mother will help me. I know you like Puran poli. We make those too. For Gauri Pooja preparations, I spend sleepless nights, but it would be perfect. We dress Gauri in a saree like a married woman and offer flowers, ornaments, and Haldi Kum Kum. Do come, Madam; wear a saree if possible.
Sundar disnar tumhi saree var. (You will look beautiful in the saree).
“Women!” I exclaimed and smiled at the glowing excitement on her face.
“Nakki yenar Sadhna” (I will surely come)
She smiled and trotted off.
