Bride & Maid

The young girl sat with her eyes downcast and looked at the mess that she was cleaning up. It was something that she could not fathom and her mind was in a gamut of emotions. She looked furtively to her left & right as if expecting somebody to jump on her. She felt hot tears stinging her eyes but, she kept it in check. She was a new bride and had been married only six months back. Her new house was a palatial bunglow, compared to her father's house. She felt almost lost in here as there were very few people around. Her husband was a good man and he sincerely went about his daily work. He worked in a small company and was very devoted to his work & home. She had no expectations whatsoever from this household and had not come with stars in her eyes. The reason being that she had herself volunteered to marry this young man. So, she only wanted to be his wife....she never thought about the enormity of marrying into a huge household. Today, she had woken up and with sprightly steps, went into the kitchen to cook some breakfast for her husband & his Ma. She was a new bride and had a good interest to feed her husband herself. She cut the onions & chilly and cooked with gusto. The end-product was a dish which she loved and wanted all to enjoy. Her husband took a spoonful and she watched him with expectant eyes. He smiled and that was all she needed. Later he left for his work, as always. She wanted to share it with the 2 maids who were regulars and stayed in the big house. She carefully put some food onto their plates and served them. Imagine her surprise, when the younger maid took the plate and dumped the food near the door, on the floor. She was so bewildered that no words came out of her mouth. She looked at the elderly lady for some reaction. But, surprise of surprise, there were none !!! She could not open her mouth out of fear and she was so nervous. Slowly she bent down and cleaned up the mess and out went the dish into the garbage bin. She washed her hands and slowly retraced her steps, to her room. She closed the door and then, the tears started flowing.....copious, hot stinging tears. Her eyes were red and puffy. She did not know her fault.