Water

Last night Ioana solemnly announced that our water pump had got fixed and from now on we do not need to steal overflowing water from the neighbours’ tank. I commented that 6 moths of precarious water supply were enough for me to start considering 3 litters of water for a complete shower and opportunity to flash the toilet a luxurious state of affairs. Just this Sunday I spend an hour fetching water from the neighbours’ tank to do the laundry amassed for 1 month. I never thought the sense of accomplishment can be so primitively grounded.

Utpal tells me I am destined to stay in India and his arguments are difficult to oppose: I look good in saree, I am tough enough to go by bus, I am good in bargaining auto-wallas, I like the food, I’ve got a good profile for a good job, and there are quite a few Indian men who I can choose my husband from. Well… reasonable… But putting aside clothes, food and an Indian husband – if I’ve learnt to survive at margins without virtually any water – I can do anything!!!!