Laxmi is in need of money. Her husband owned a tyre repair shop and was earning well for his family. However, he lost all the family money and assets in gambling, buying lottery tickets and drinking. They are currently under a heavy debt because of which Laxmi had to start working five months ago and her son had to drop out of school to contribute towards family income.
Laxmi's husband, Murugan is now one of the security guards in my building complex. He works two shifts so that he can double his income. Laxmi works in five homes. Her son, is a roadside vendor. With their joint income, Laxmi thinks that they will be able to repay their debts in two years' time.
There are two aspects of Laxmi that immediately attracted me-
One, she is a happy person. She told me her story not in self-pity but smilingly, even finding humor in her current life and how she was led to this stage by Murugan.
Two, she chose to educate her daughter over her son. This really surprised me. I would have expected most parents (even those from blessed families) to educate their son if they had to make a choice. ("After all the daughter would be married and living with another family and it is they who would gain from her education, not us"). And to think this forward thinking comes from the lady who is not educated herself is mind boggling to me!
Priya broke the stopper to my water filter today. She didn't tell me. I had to discover the breakage by myself. I will be asking her to leave for good tomorrow. I have worked out an arrangement with Laxmi.
I had an expectation setting talk with Laxmi-1. She need to let me know a day earlier if she wants leave so that I can plan the next day. 2. If she's tired/does not feel like working, she needs to tell me so that I can size the work for her. But what she does, she needs to to do it well. 3. She needs to tell me the truth otherwise I will not be able to trust her. 4. If she has a problem with anything, she should talk to me so that I can find a solution.
Laxmi is fine with the my expectations and had one thing to ask me-she cannot keep to time and so she will be +/- 30 minutes. Although this was a difficult request since I go out to work myself, I think it can be managed.
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