WhatsApp Chronicles: Perspectives

A little off-kilter and a tad cringe in its blatancy. Nonetheless, very close to the truth of whatsapp conversations in Indian urban gated communities. All names are fictional, though:)

Shruti: Good morning, ladies! I hope everyone's doing well. Has anyone been to the new Shopaholics Anonymous District Mall that just opened up near the metro. I went on Saturday with my SIL and shopped like mad -- but am dying to go again with you guys. How about we indulge in some retail therapy?

Pooja: Oh my goodness, Shruti, I totally feel you! These past few days have been so exhausting. Dealing with my little one's flu, my elder one's prom and what not, and no maid to help around the house since the day before. I desperately need a shopping break!

Neha: Oh no, I'm so sorry.? Pooja. It's incredible how demanding our lives can get. I do hope Savi feels better, Is it serious??

Pooja: Fever not high but she is so miserable. I took her to the doc and he said just needs rest but it is so sad to see one’s kids unwell.?

Neha: Oh I so…get that. Give her coconut water and hot soup. Get her a nice toy that cheers her up! Can’t have our little cherub miserable. Must be tough without the maid, man. Don't even get me started on the maids!? It's like they vanish into thin air just when you need them the most. And finding a trustworthy replacement is like finding a needle in a haystack.

Pooja: Ugh, tell me about it! They can be so unprofessional, and so damn ungrateful. I mean I told her she could come an hour late as she claimed her son is unwell -- but wo aayee hee nahin (but she never came). And later she said the queue at the govt hospital was so long. Such rubbish. I mean she knows my kid is unwell, how will I leave her and work….

Akanskha: Er…Isn't it Pushpa who works for you? She is the dhobi ‘s (ironing guy) wife. He told me their son was critically ill… ?

Pooja : Well, who really knows?!! She says he has been hospitalized for some undiagnosed fever. Gosh, the excuses they come up with! So do din se madam is nowhere to be seen. (So for two days madam was nowhere to be seen) And who becomes the maid then? Yours truly of course.

Akanksha: I don’t think its an excuse. The dhobi was asking me about a possible consultation with a specialist. I put him in touch with Dr Dheeraj. He said it may be the bad strain of the dengue virus that is doing the rounds. My own help’s child was also quite badly off. I will check with the dhobi about Pushpa’s son. …They tend to be more prone as they live in such abject conditions.

Pooja: Oh absolutely!…? I am very sympathetic.? thought I should give her the benefit of the doubt so told her she could come late etc. But, then she came and asked me for an advance for her son’s treatment! And that told me it was all a ruse to get money out of me.? I mean c’mon, you take me for a fool. All govt facilities are free! So bloody unprofessional and greedy these women are.

Akanksha: But… I mean they WOULD need money. It’s not just the doctor, it’s other expenses too. . .her son would need care…?

Pooja: I give her all the leftovers every week and sometimes even fresh daal from our plates. So khana to theekh hee hai unka (so their food is pretty much taken care of).? Plus the government gives so much subsidy!?

Akanksha: Er…they have a lot of mouths to feed, one bowl of daal would barely suffice… And government? subsidy is tough to get hold of...

Kriti: (pitching in abruptly) And who’s fault is that? Ja ke jitney bacchey paida kar letey hain yeh (They go and have so many kids!) Pooja , I know exactly how you feel. They always want something from us or more money. So ungrateful.? Spoke to one potential maid yesterday, and she asked for double the salary I was offering. The nerve!

Pooja: That's outrageous! It's becoming so difficult to find someone willing to work for a reasonable wage. These house helps truly don an attitude. Mine also asked me for a Rs 1000 raise last month. I mean paisa kya ped pe ugta hai? (Does money grow on trees? Poore saal ka budget hil jayega (My entire year’s budget would go for a toss with this one increment).

Neha: Yeah, and they live really unhygienically. I often wonder if they bring infections into our homes. I always spray disinfectant and sanitizer on all surfaces after she has finished cooking. Who knows what germs they carry! So often their clothes are so dirty, naha ke bhi nahin aatey hain subah (In the morning they have not even bathed when they come). Pakka se bimariyon ka ghar hoti hain (Am sure they carry infection with them).

Pooja: Yeah man. I am sure my daughter caught her flu from the maid only….

Meera:? Although jab mood ho fashion mein koi kami nahin hoti.:)????

Kriti: Just my thoughts, have you noticed how fashionable some of these young maids look these days? They wear jeans and all man. I mean they don't even resemble maids anymore with their stylish ensembles. Kabhi kabhi (sometimes) me in my home clothes look worse for the wear. And then they pretend to be in need. Arrey kapdon pe kam kharch kar lo yaar. (Spend less on clothes man) I mean the other day mine was showing me a photo of hers in a chiffon sari, at some function! And full make up haan.?

Shruti: Speaking of chiffons, K store has a to-die-for collection, chalna hai (should we go)? We can have lunch at the new deli. Its food is getting rave reviews.?

Neha: It is indeed! But I believe it is quite exorbitantly priced?

Kriti: Nahin yaar, (no buddy) my friend said a meal for a family is barely 8,000 and with drinks about 12,000. Once a fortnight one can always indulge that much man! I mean what are we earning for??

Pooja: Count me in man. I could really use some retail therapy and TLC for myself. Do din se bartan dho rahi hoon. (Have been washing utensils for two days now.)

Neha: Absolutely! Let's make it happen. How will you manage though Pooja, without the maid?

Pooja: Arrey, I categorically told her if she does not join back today -- I will fire her. Aaj aa gayee madam finally. (Today, finally madam came)

Akanksha: Oh dear, her son? Was he discharged? Is he okay now?

Pooja: I didn't even ask, fir ek sob story and rona dhona shuru ho jayega--(she will again have a sob story and will start weeping).

Akanksha: But…

Kriti: Let’s leave these morbid topics behind now, maid woes are never-ending. Am on board for the mall, ladies. Let’s indulge ourselves. God knows we need it! Dealing with these maids everyday can take a toll on our well-being.?

Meera: Agreed! Let's plan the date and time. I can't wait for our shopping spree. It's going to be so awesome!