My sister has had interesting set of helpers staying with her.One such lady was Shoolie.She was of bengali origin ,a widow without an issue ,middle aged and a slow person who was frankly confused about her role in the team.Her daily routine would consist of getting up a little late in the morning ,having a relaxing bath,oiling herself and dresssing up for the day.When my sister left for the college she would follow her and generally hover around the whole day and come back home to the same routine.Ocassionally she would cook the dal which she apparently did well.She also kept my sister amused by giving a peek into their lives
One day in one such social gathering one elderly gentleman, a beaurocrat ,a man of few words,out of curiosity ,asked Shoolie what her work responsibility was. and she promptly answered, 'I carry madam's laptop.'. He was stunned and mentioned it to one of our aunts.
My sister was wildly amused but as was expected she had to be sent back to her folks by and by.On the retrospect my sister told us that all too often she would leave the laptop behuind and carry an empty bag to the college much to my sister's exasperation then but amusement now.That was Shoolie for you.
This evening two of the youngsters from my previous place of work wanted their sponsorship refferee form for post-graduation filled.I asked my mother for permission to go up to my room to work on it.
'Will your referance hold since you have already left the organisation?.',She asked.When I explained that the kids had worked with me when I was incharge,she ,with a sense of gentle urgency asked me to get the paperwork done tonight so that I would not miss out on it in the rush of the morning.
I was deeply touched by the sense of concern my 88 years old mother had for the youngsters but that is how my mother has always been.
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