Slice of life: ‘Monsoon brings bad memories’

G. DHANAM, domestic help 

While growing up, I had always romanticised the idea of monsoon. The world rain itself centred around happiness and freedom. Like most others in the country, I had conjured up ideas of monsoon from the movies I see. While growing up, I loved water dripping from the thatched roof. But things changed last year. Even the sound of word horrifies me now.  Whatever I had earned for more than a decade was washed away in the December floods last year.  

The place where I reside in Velachery was one of the worst affected areas. Water stagnation during rains has always been a persistent problem here but last year was the worst and the rising waters deprived me of my entire savings. My family had to vacate home, leaving everything behind. We had to stay in a corporation school in the locality. When I went back 10 days later, everything was gone. I had to start from the scratch. I only had two pair of clothes. 

However, my employers were helpful. They gave me clothes, utensils and other household materials that helped me on my feet again. I have been a domestic help for the past 29 years.  I work between 9 am and 3 pm and manage to earn Rs. 3,000 – 4000. My husband passed away 10 years ago and the responsibility of my children (son and daughter) fell on me. They were in their teens then. I had to work double shifts to cater to their needs. 

From food to education to their other needs, I had my hands full. But now they are all married and I am able to breathe a little easy. I hope my days of travail are over and the city would never witness such a horrific situation again. I am forty now, looking back I must say that I have come up a hard way in life. Struggling for a square meal to a peaceful life presently I have learnt that only hard work pays. However, I wish the almighty fulfils my dream of visiting several temples across the country.