Two Worlds

Ganga was running late for work. After getting Bhola dressed and ready for school, she had to do all the household chores, and then rush to Kaul Aunty's place to clean the dishes. And it was already 9 am

"Remember, I won't be able to pick you up today. Meena Ma'am has asked me to take care of her child"

"Ok Maa. I will ask Khan Chacha for a lift on his auto, or will walk back"

Mrs.Meena Sharma was Ganga's second employer. The House-help would generally complete Kaul Aunty's work by noon and then move to Mrs.Sharma's place before picking up Bhola from school at 4 pm. But today, Mrs.Sharma had asked Ganga to stay back and look after Munna, her 3-year old son. Though Bhola had wanted her to come to school, Ganga couldn't afford to miss out on the extra pay on offer. Bhola had just entered the 1st standard and his school fees was following the same trend as the spiraling prices of other necessities. And being a single mother didn't help.

It wasn't always this way. Ganga's husband, Ramesh, was a carpenter and they were married for 3 years. Bhola was still an infant, and Ramesh used to come back home early in order to spend time with him. Everything was going on well until Ramesh met Sriman, who introduced him to the supposed shortcut to mint money - Gambling. Ramesh spent the better part of his income speculating on lotteries that never returned any money, and before long was consuming way too much liquor to be able to earn gainful employment. After she couldn't bear his abuses any longer, she decided to leave the house, taking Bhola with her.

"How will you manage it all alone, Ganga? Why not give Ramesh another chance?" the neighbours asked.

"No, I don't wish to even have that drunkard's shadow over my child. I am capable of taking care of both of us myself"

Some years had passed since then, and Ganga was trying her level best to not let Bhola feel the absence of a parent. She would feed him, look after his every need, and work her heart out to make sure he was happy. Kaul Aunty, knowing how much Ganga slogged, was always generous to her.

"I'll take your leave now, Aunty. Have to reach Mrs.Sharma's place by 1"

"Ok Ganga, but do remember to bring along two packets of milk tomorrow. And keep this blanket for Bhola, I found I had purchased an extra one last year"

Ganga loved the affection Kaul aunty showered on them, and would make sure she put in more than her 100% in her work. On the other hand, Mrs.Sharma was just a regular employer who rarely took interest in Ganga's problems. She had often threatened Ganga about discontinuing her services on days she had been slightly off-time. So when she needed her help, Ganga thought it would be the apt opportunity to cement a relationship with Mrs.Sharma and earn some extra money as well.

"Ganga, take care of Munna well. I should be back from the function by 5 o'clock"

She finished the dishes, tidied up the home, and then switched on the TV to while away her time. Munna was a very sweet child and didn't bother her much, and just as the 5.30 Evening news flashed on screen, Mrs.Sharma's keys opened the door.

"Thank you Ganga, it was a wonderful day. I was judging school-children in athletics at a Government school, and you should have been there to believe their talents. Especially that young boy in 1st standard, I think Bhola was his name, he was exceptional. What agility and stamina, his parents must have felt proud when cheering for him... Come in at the same time tomorrow, and here's your extra Rs.50 for the day"