Laxmi wants a hike already

Laxmi came to me, "I have something to tell you which I missed telling earlier - I need more money...about Rs. 1500 per month"

By any standards, Rs. 850 is a generous offer for a 60-90 minutes job-I prefer to pay a little extra to my domestic help so avoid exactly this habit of bargaining at very quick intervals. Typically, I have found them to be tutored by their spouses or by other 'bai's.

I had just returned from work and was kind of irritated to hear the request. So I let the matter lay for a bit. I made my usual cup of tea and shared with Laxmi as always. Just as she was about to leave, I explained to her gently that I was surprised at her request. In any case, since I liked her and her work and I wanted her to be happy, she can choose from any of the three options-
1. Take half the work (and I will call another bai for the remainder work-I want to anyway employ Kala)
2. Discuss with her friends or husband and if she is convinced Rs. 850 is a good deal she can continue working.
3. Leave my work completely and join wherever she gets the kind of money she demanded (this by the way, never needs to be told-it is a foregone conclusion). I will call her whenever I need a helping hand.

I told her to decide and let me know by tomorrow morning. Once she has made her decision, I would not want to discuss it for atleast six months.

I hope she chooses option #2!