Last night, our help, Bimla asked for some advance. It’s something she does regularly, and my mother rarely denies one. But it was late in the evening, and Maa and Kym were leaving for Mumbai early the next morning. Also, Maa had limited cash which she needed for her trip and was in the midst of packing. So, she refused.
This morning, Kym saw Maa preparing her purse by counting money and checking if she had her credit cards and identity documents etc., when she noticed the cash. ‘Aji, you have money. Let’s leave some for Bimla Masi. She really needs it.’
Both Maa and I looked at each other. I nodded, signalling that I’d pay her as soon as she came in to work. And then, we hugged Kym.
Little Kym. The keeper of the conscience of the Bear family.
P.S.: The first picture is of the poli she made me for breakfast; it’s a smiling bear, in case you didn’t notice. She also generously lent me her Ms Marvel mug for my tea, and then (second picture) covered me with her Aji’s dupatta because she decided I was feeling cold and needed a layer. What a beautiful child I have been lucky to be the father of!
