I am lucky to have two maids in Mumbai: one who looks after the children and one who does the cooking and cleaning. I consider them as my family because they are both close to 60 years old. I always prepare the same breakfast for my parents and both maids. Sometimes it is soup – khichdi with lean beef or tandoori chicken, with milk imported from Australia or New Zealand. Meanwhile, many days I go to work hungry because I am in a hurry. I just hope they feel appreciated through those simple and warm meals.

Regarding salary, I pay her a fixed salary of 33,000 INR/month so that she can work with peace of mind. Every month I give her an additional 6,000–7,000 INR depending on holidays or when I go somewhere and have a few hundred rupees left. I think these payments are a way to show gratitude and affection to the maids who have been with me for a long time, taking care of the children and stabilizing family life.

Every time I do that, I feel happy, I see her efforts are appreciated, and I am satisfied that she has treated people close to her like family.

The other day, her mother-in-law was a maid who was carrying her sick baby, so I agreed to let her go back to Pune to take care of her for a few days. I did not hesitate, and even told her to come back soon after her mother got better, and sent her 1,500 INR for the car, along with many gifts and clothes for her child. She asked me to buy some imported milk, to drink and give to her mother-in-law. I bought 5 boxes, and when paying, I took money for 4 boxes and gave 1 box to her. I thought it was a small thing, and wanted to help her a little, to show kindness like I always treat my maids every day.

But who would have thought, after she had been back in her hometown for a few days, she called and chatted with the other maid… “If you want people to stay, you have to be generous, ask them to buy milk and get money in return. Now if you want me to come, you have to call and beg me to come.”

It turned out that she also told her family that my child was difficult to raise and hyperactive, so no one would take care of him. Her family advised her to wait for a phone call from me for a raise before returning to work.

When I heard these words, I was extremely shocked and sad. Before, the nurse who took care of my child had taken good care of my child, my child loved her, I never regretted money or attention. But now, she spoke as if I was “cheating” or “stingy”.

I thought a lot. I wondered, was it possible that I was too good to get such an attitude in return. The feeling of being betrayed and misunderstood by someone I cherished hurt me. I realized that sometimes, no matter how kind and caring I am, if the other person is not sincere and does not respect what I do, keeping that relationship will only hurt me more.

I decided to call and frankly say that she should quit her job, I would send my child to a nursery in Bandra. I don’t want to keep a relationship that has lost trust, no matter how difficult it is.

She called to apologize, saying that she just said that and didn’t mean anything bad, but I refused to accept her apology. I understand that in any relationship — whether it’s a maid or a relative — respect and honesty are the most important things. Without those two things, everything else is meaningless.

A few days later, I still think about the days she was by my side, taking care of my child, teaching him to walk and talk. I used to consider them as family. But now, I know that taking care of my child will be entirely up to me, my parents and the people I truly trust, even though it’s harder, but I feel mentally secure.

Today, when I think back, I’m still sad but also relieved. I know I did the right thing, protecting the peace of mind and safety of my child, of myself. When my child goes to school, I still prepare breakfast, take care of meals, and teach him to love and care for others with all my heart, but also to know how to protect himself.

That is the most important thing.

A few weeks later, life in the boarding house became more stable. I woke up early to cook breakfast for my child, preparing hot khichdi, fried eggs and imported milk, ensuring both nutrition and warmth. My child began to eat well, smiled more and gradually adapted to the new rhythm of life.

But the unexpected happened one way. The old maid, whom I had terminated my cooperation with, appeared at the boarding house door. She stood awkwardly, holding a bag of fresh fruit and cakes. Her eyes were confused, half embarrassed, half regretful.

“I… I’m sorry. I spoke too much that day, it was not right… I shouldn’t have made you sad like that.”

I was silent, looking at her. I still felt a bit bitter, but also felt relieved that she finally realized her mistake. I nodded slightly, without saying a word, just to let her know that everything was over and there were no more regrets.

She withdrew, and we continued our new life. I hired another maid, but this time, I was more careful. I chose someone who was truly trustworthy, not only because of her experience but also because of her attitude and heart. I realized that kindness is not just about giving, but also about choosing the right person to trust.

As the days passed, my child and I built a new routine: every morning we woke up, cooked together, read books and did light exercises. I taught my child that love is caring for others, but also knowing how to protect yourself and recognize the value of honesty.

One afternoon, I sat on the porch of my room, watching my child run around on the small terrace, feeling the warm golden sunlight shining down. I smiled, realizing that sometimes, the simplest things like preparing a clean, warm meal, or firmly protecting trust and respect, are more important than any other luxury.

Music, food, family affection — all of them connect us, but most importantly, honesty and respect. Without them, any kindness, big or small, can be misunderstood or betrayed.

And from then on, I not only care for my children with love, but also with sobriety, caution and sincere love, so that every meal, every word, every gesture becomes a solid foundation for family happiness.