We love our husbands. Sometimes more than our husbands we love our mother in laws. But today we loved Ghosts, Osama and George bush as well. J
There is a lot we discuss about here, in this small Infosys office for new mothers and mothers to be who cannot travel till the main office at e-city. Usually the talks are all centered around our cuddle bundles, baby products, pediatricians, home remedies, growth milestones etc etc. But the clear winners and the all time favorites are of course Husbands and Mother in Laws. With no offense to both- their stories, mannerism, difference, indifference and their unconditional support to us as working mothers spices up our lunch and tea breaks.
We are nine of us in this small office in MG Road Manipal centre. Four are expectant mothers and the rest of us are mothers already (even though they say mothers are born even as the baby is inside I would like to think that the moment you see your baby is when you actually become a mother). Coming from different cultures and traditions I got to learn a lot from others – the best from across the borders . It is more a mom’s café ; unlike the monthly mail that comes from the company- this feels more real.
When I joined here after maternity, I was missing the open space in the campus and the greenery. This place looks more a sweat shop with 50 odd desktops arranged across the room with very little sun light coming in ; it looks very different from my work place at electronics city. But this office is just 5 min from my home and that saved me nearly 3 hours I spent on travel every day to electronics city. Working from here was a relief then, now its delightful. It took us a while to come out and mingle and come together though and all this was not from day 1 J Women do take their time to come out of their nut shelves right. He he!
Most days we discuss our babies, and then our routines, experiences, suggest help , give and receive tips to manage things well. We discuss about the different roles we play – a mother, a daughter in law, a wife, an employee, a daughter and being ourselves – mostly in this same order or priority! I feel here , men have a big advantage over women with lesser role plays to do. My male friends would disagree am sure. Give me your counter arguments – am all ears and open for debate. J From Maid issues, personal health queries , travel problems, domestic issues , stress – my emotional needs are met here easily. It is true when they say women understand women better. Now that all my old “girlfriends” are out of town and engaged by their own busy routines, just like I am with mine, I have found this as my new emotional shelter. I feel every woman needs a female friend all the time. When we talk and share , I think we feel lighter in spite of the heavy responsibilities we carry on our shoulders.
Eateries, baby shops, textiles shops –name it and someone always has a pointer to the best deals available in town. This is becoming a small “Bulletin board” (read as information bank for non infoscions) for me too. I really wonder how god finds me the best of lot for company in all stages I grow up. I have a close set of friends from school, college and then as a working spinster, post marriage etc etc… I am still close to them and they are very much part of my life. But these ties are new and fresh.
While on one side it hurts to think that we all will split up in another four weeks ( permission to work here is granted only for three months!) , I console myself with the thought that these people are still going to be there in electronics city. To meet might be hard, but they are always there. I have new friends , whenever I need.J
