Those who know me well, know that I am dominating (I don't
really agree, but yes, can get some times). I (allegedly) dominate my brother, my
husband and the list goes on and on. But apparently there is one person that
can't (now couldn't) dominate! No brownie points to guess (refer title)…it’s
the Bai..!
With the working women juggling to balance (or rather
control) family and work, the Bai becomes an absolute necessity. My sob story
will be shared by many such 'working' women. When my husband and I moved to our
house in Bandra, we didn't know that finding a suitable Bai would be so
difficult! I haven't faced so many problems even I was searching a suitable
match for myself!
We had many conditions such as the maid should come before
8am and blah and blah. In Mumbai, maids are the one who have conditions not the
maid-employers. So we finally got a Bai after much pleading, seducing (with
money of course!) and protesting (why don't you want to work here!!). But the
tryst with the Sakhu-Bai lasted only for a couple of months.
Parting from a Bai could very well be more difficult than
parting from a partner of a couple of years! Dealing with a Bai is like dealing
with a relationship. She pampers you but at the same time throws tantrums. She
wants her space too, so she doesn't turn up for 3-4 days! She wants to be
disconnected from you, so doesn't even call to inform you about her leave
plans.
But like a so-much-in-love lover, you overlook all these
things. You give her the brand of detergent she wants to use, you give her the
best cleaning soap, you give her your much treasured old clothes, but she could
care less! But you continue, because you know you cannot do without her. Or
else you'll be the one cleaning the floors, washing the utensils! Not less than
a nighmare, no?
Yet, that much pending separation happens. Yes, it does. You
have showed much patience till now, but now her behaviour is out of your
bounds. Her no-show, her coming late, her never ending demands take a toll on
you. So with much planning you decide to fire her, separate from her. You
rehearse in your minds ten times what you ought to tell her. What she may feel
about it. You sum up all the courage.
The moment arrives. She finishes her day's work. You go to
her with a stern face. You say, "Look Bai, we can't put up with your
behaviors and whims, you don't come from tomorrow." And all she says is
"Okay" and goes away quietly. So many things play in your mind, just
like a jilted ex-lover. "Why was she so cool about it. Has she found
someone else?" or "Didn't she like me enough anyway?"
Hmm…bai bai…so many thoughts…all for a Bai.
Coz it was, after all, time to say (laughing cheesily)
GOOD-BAI! ;)
