An unfair world
The Hindu
Young, jobless, married and a child to rear — a familiar tale from the dark underbelly
She was just a four-month-old baby. I asked Noori, her mother, if I could hold baby Maira in my arms, and she happily obliged. She said, “Didi, do not be afraid to hold the baby. Just be mindful to support her head and neck.”
I nervously lifted her up. The little one sensed that from her mother’s arms, she had been handed over to a stranger. I was anxious to impress Maira. A few minutes back, I had triumphantly declared, “I have never seen a baby dislike me. You give me half an hour with the child and I’m sure we’ll become best friends.”
Noori saw me helplessly humming a song to pacify the baby and volunteered to take her back and let me pursue my efforts. She started chatting with my mother.