During the initial years of our married life in Bangalore, I was often intrigued by one question asked by neighbours and acquaintances (belonging to the same gender as mine) – “Kelasa Aaitha?” the literal translation being: “Is the work done?”
I was always in a dilemma – while answering in affirmation would be a sheer lie for there seems no end to the repetitive tasks whole day through, a negative reply would only cast a shadow on my efficiency.
Left with not much choice, I decided to tackle the matter head on and seek a variety in handling the poser. Attack is the best form of defence. So before the prospective information-seekers could open their mouth, I would grin widely and ask them with a flourish, “Kelasa Aaitha?” A mental note of every response was painstakingly made, to be retrieved later for personal use.
Some of the replies I got ranged from “Eegthane coffee/ Tiffin/ oota aaithu.” (Just had coffee/ snacks/ lunch, etc)” to “Eegthane cooker koogisee ittidini.” (Just had the cooker whistled,) (sic) i.e., waiting for the steam to be released before resuming further cooking; obviously, the best time to hang out on the gate and hurl the question at unsuspecting poor souls like me.
However, the response that took the cake was encountered upon much later. One mid-morning, having happily dumped all my work, I was on my way to a relative’s place when I heard the ever-familiar “Kelasa Aaitha?” from behind.
One more to add to my ever-growing list! I waited with bated breath, hoping it would be of a different kind. It sure was. “Innondu mane ide."(One more house is left.) I turned around only to find myself witnessing a conversation between two housemaids.
On a serious note, I wonder if one can ever say for sure that the work is done. I don’t mean the daily chores alone. I am thinking of the various tasks right from birth all through one’s life. I guess work begins with the very first breath and ends with the last. One day I am definitely going to give my ultimate answer to the question. The self-epitaph will unmistakably read: “All work done" adding two more words, – “away with!”