Self Made Manju

By Avantika Andhare

Meet Manjula. Or as most of us fondly call her Manju.

She's *NOT* a maid

She's self made.

She didn't graduate from Harvard Business School nor is she a product of Le Cordon Bleu.

But she can teach Henry Fayol a thing or two.

She can cook up a storm from Undhiyu to Appams and Stew.

She isn't as privileged as us, me and you

A quarter of a century she's been with us, and she's a part of my family, mind you.

She is My self made Manju

Often times i fail to accredit this unhailed hero, who toils tirelessly, routinely and faithfully day in and day out to put food on our table and her own. Hardwork.

With a smile and with all heart, she walks through the door every morning and enlivens the house. As the day draws to an end and she's about to walk out the same door, a strange void is felt. Warmth.

I remember taking her to the movies for the first time. Clothed in a cardigan and a pair of socks, she had never experienced air conditioning ever before. She watched the movie intently, munching on some nachos, she fondly calls papad.

Oh the innocence.

Once I decided to treat her to coffee outside, she was so baffled by the prices, she nearly spat it out on my face. As she savoured each sip, like it was liquid gold, I watched her intently and a tear ran down my cheek.

Gratitude.

Nattily dressed, she loves her nail 'FOLISH' and her 'FONDS' powder. I give her a consignment of the same every fortnight. Oh the joy of recieving is so evident as her eyes twinkle with delight.

Simple pleasures.

Sometimes i cook for her. She devours 'MACARON' with cheese and mutton biryani. This one time she took a packet of sausages with her, to her Village and everyone freaked out by the very sight of it. What a riot.

Humorous and bold.

On a lazy day, the two of us put on a 'FILIM' and we'd cry and laugh our hearts out. And goes back home and narrates the same to her husband like it's a bedtime story.

An observer. A story teller

She's a giver. She's fun loving. She's strong. She's relentless. She's full of love. There's a lot to learn from people like Manju.

She's *NOT* a maid, mind you.

She's my self made Manju.

By Avantika Andhare