It was almost noon, and the worker who I had hired for cleaning my tavern hadn't turned up. I cursed aloud. My back was sore and I was looking forward to rest a little, but now I will have to work more than usual. "Do you need help, sir?" said a voice. It was an elderly woman with a wrinkly face. It is tough to guess the age of poor people, they tend to look older than they are, due to all the hardship they face. She had a hunched back and sunburned skin, common among the workers in the paddy fields of Vidari . I noticed how frail she was -- no, the kitchen utensils would be too heavy for her. "Yes," I replied. "I need help, but I don't think you can do the work." "Try me," she replied with determination. "I am fitter than I look." I gave it another thought. I wouldn't be able to clean too well either, so there was no harm in giving her a chance. "I need someone to clean the large kitchen utensils, and the oven al...
Official website of Shon Mehta, acclaimed author of The Timingila and creator of the fictional universe of Jivavarta. Her works include 'The Girl Who Asked Why' and 'Lair of the Monster.' Explore philosophical allegories and stories on human nature.