Angels in Disguise

"Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown without telling the world it was crooked." – Amy Morin  

To me, the power of a woman lies not just in standing tall when the going gets tough but in lending a hand and lifting her peers along the way.  

That’s the true spirit of sisterhood that makes this tribe empowered and special.  

When I say peers, most people think of a support system—women who love and care genuinely, such as family, friends, or others to whom your existence truly matters.  

Fair enough!  

The women in our close-knit circle have been a part of our lives from the beginning, each playing a special role and influencing us in unique ways.  

But this write-up isn’t about them.  

It’s about a sector of people who serve us, cater to our needs, and contribute to our wellness in ways that are often overlooked or taken for granted. It is about those few who stay in the shadows, away from the limelight.  

The ones confined to kitchens and utility areas, toiling throughout the day ensuring clean spaces and well-functioning households.

Yes, I’m talking about our very own domestic helpers and caretakers, who serve us day in and day out.  

Muniammal

Let me begin with the story of Muniammal, my house help, while my husband and I lived in Chennai.  

A cheerful and chirpy woman in her middle age, small-built with a lean frame and dusky complexion, her hair always neatly tied in a bun—she was a bundle of energy. We hired her shortly before I delivered my first child. 

Amicable and innocent, she warmed up to us easily, making us feel comfortable in no time.  

With her typical Chennai lingo and humor, she was full of life, adding a bit of spice to each day and keeping us entertained. I loved chit-chatting with her as she narrated vivid tales of her childhood, family, and life, transporting me to an era gone by.  

She was active and bustled around performing her chores without a single whine or groan.  

Not once!  

Muniammal was a kind soul and a relentless giver, never shying away from helping others or going the extra mile without hesitation.  

But what made her extraordinary wasn’t just her work ethic. It was her heart.

A blessing!

Her contribution during my strenuous postnatal phase was incredible and something I’ll remember for life.  

After the first three months of pampering, we were on our own with our little one. As first-time parents, riddled with fears and sleepless nights, we faced a challenging phase, trying to find balance day by day.  

For first-timers, I’m sure this rings a dozen bells! It takes time to adjust to the ‘new’ normal.  

It was then that this sweet soul stepped up to help us in ways we hadn’t anticipated. She voluntarily stayed back after work to help with the baby, made sure I ate and got some rest, and would only leave once my husband returned from work.  

She would engage my little one in animated conversations whenever he cried, and he instinctively calmed down, mesmerized by her chatter. Meanwhile, I’d use that time to get things done.  

She would even take him to the park for a stroll, entertain him with little games, and ensure he was happy and occupied.  

Before long, the duo had become a beloved pair in our apartment premises. They were so well-known that people often called out to my child when they saw us, even though my husband and I had always kept to ourselves.  

A high ask

One particular incident stands out to this day.  

One afternoon, when my son was almost a year old, I accidentally got locked out on the balcony while my toddler was stuck inside the house.  

Panic set in as I tried to open the glass door to no avail. It simply wouldn't budge! Worse, I didn’t have my mobile phone to call for help.  

Sweating in the midday sun, I spotted a woman in the balcony opposite mine. As luck would have it, Muniammal worked for her too. I shouted, gaining her attention, and asked for help. 

Within minutes, I heard a familiar voice rushing toward my flat—Muniammal was coming!  

'Thank heavens' , I exclaimed.

She had already alerted the service personnel and brought a team along for the rescue mission.  

Speaking to my son through the gap in the door, she tried to calm him down as he cried in confusion. He kept looking at me through the glass with tear-filled eyes, breaking my heart.  

While the people outside debated breaking the lock or finding a spare key, Muniammal made her move.  

Bang! Bang!

She broke through the door and ran to my son, scooping him into her arms. The crowd stood dumbstruck.

  

That was Muniammal—a superwoman in her own right, albeit an unsung one.  

Her courage and love for my child were beyond words. I was overwhelmed with relief and gratitude that day, feelings amplified by the emotional turmoil of ‘mommy hormones.’  

The Inevitable 

Helpers like her are often undervalued, yet they bring unparalleled integrity and warmth into our lives. Though we paid her modestly, her contributions were priceless. She became family.

Unfortunately, goodbyes are inevitable. Unexpected circumstances forced us to relocate to a new city, and the pandemic changed everything.  

When we told her, she broke down in tears and said:

"Please take care of our little boy and call me sometimes. I hope I get to meet him again one day. Please tell him about me so he doesn’t forget. I’ll never forget all of you. Thank you for everything."

Her words choked me up.  

It was pure, unadulterated love—a bond beyond family, beyond blood and expectations. True, genuine, and rare.  

One Strong Woman

Even today, Muniammal remains one in a million—a strong woman who uplifted me when I needed it most.  

This piece is my tribute to her—a kind soul who brought light and warmth into our lives.

                

                 We miss you, Munima!!  

Such souls are angels in disguise—deserving to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Image Credits: https://www.freepik.com

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As I wrapped up this article about Muniammal, I felt compelled to reach out to her, asking for a photograph to include in the blog. Little did I know, that a simple call would leave me shattered.  

When she picked up, her sobs were heart-wrenching, and the news she shared left me speechless. Muniammal had lost her husband in a tragic accident a couple of months ago. He had drowned in a nearby lake, and his body was found only after a grueling month-long search.  

I was stunned and shaken to my core. Life can be so cruel and unpredictable.  

Through her broken voice, she explained how she had wanted to share the news with me but had lost my contact number. Her husband, just 52 years old, hale and healthy, was gone far too soon.  

Muniammal had always been a symbol of resilience, enduring hardship after hardship with unmatched strength. Yet now, she stood alone, facing an unimaginable void.  

“I have no one, my dear,” she said, her voice trembling. “I was just thinking I could come over to see you and spend the rest of my life taking care of you all, like I used to.”  

Her words were unexpected yet deeply moving, shaking me to my very core. Despite her unbearable grief, she still thought of offering care and love to others.  

“You shall always be welcome here, Munima. We will always be there for you,” I assured her, my heart heavy with sorrow.  

An angel in disguise—that is who she is and will always be to us.