An encounter at a certain tea stall

A dim lantern was glowing inadequately at the counter beside a burning stove. Seated upon the stove was a saucepan slightly bigger than the one we see at our houses. A new lot of empty cups were being laid, ready to be filled. “Two small cups,” said a voice from the other side of the counter. “Without sugar.” She nodded in acceptance and immediately dispatched two cups with steaming hot tea towards her customers.

After paying, the two customers left, when a little girl, of age might be five or six years, appeared with a notebook in her hand and said “Mamma, homework done.” So she was her daughter and probably she was doing her homework while her mother got occupied catering to her customers. Her mother took the notebook in her hands and began inspecting whatever her daughter had written. The light made it too difficult for her eyes to read.

Her tea shop opened late in the evening. She may have other jobs during the evening which did not permit her to meet her daughter to help her with studies. She was thus forced to bring her to her stall during the night amidst the dim light.

She might be the only earning member of her family, and her evening job was not enough to maintain her family and her daughter’s education. Thus forcing her to tire herself even more to ensure they went on progressing. It was clear that she valued education and knew its importance. Or I may be completely wrong. It’s possible that her tea stall was the outcome of her passion not out of compulsion. And she was aware of her duties towards her daughter and did not shirk either passion or duty. In that case she becomes more respectful in my eyes to be able to find a job that keeps her happy.

Whatever the reason might be, she deserves a different salute for her dedication and hard work. She might not come in any news, neither shall any biopic will be made about her, but she is undoubtedly a real life hero to her family and her daughter. And she is makes wonderful tea.

While returning home after having tea at her, I saw a half ready life sized idol of the Hindu Goddess Durga, who symbolises ultimate feminine power and a woman who is adept in simultaneous jobs owing to her ten hands (metaphorical). Even she was with her kids.

It was a great similarity that I found between the mythical character and to the person I met in real. She, like the Goddess had her demons which she fought regularly. Though in her case it was not any person, but her own draining strength, the dim light, her condition at home and the like. Like her even most of us have our demons, which tend to succumb us in its girth and we tend to lose ourselves. Everyone has problems in their lives, coming out of it is what separates the Durga from the rest.