Work
Ashley noted down the bullet points in the new sticky pad. This time, the procedures had to be proper and systematic. Journalling was the icing in the cake. Gratitude, aspirations and rigorous steps, all inked. It is now time to sleep. Lights off and action! Beep beep beep… went the alarm clock. A thunderous applause comes from the smart phone for waking up this early. It’s five and even Mr. Rooster hasn’t woken up. Stage curtains opened. Sunshine is reflected on the window panes. Skyscrapers shine against the backdrop of the vibrant sky. Trees hug their fellow plants in sacred affinity. Yes! It’s a huge day for Ashley.
“Come on Ashley! Gear up for your new day.”
Fluffy slippers worn and a few steps taken to the washroom. Brush, brush and brush. Gel face-wash on the face and a whole lot of skin care rituals. Pyjamas are neatly folded and out comes the apron. Ashley already feels replenished to the core. No time to bath. Skip, skip, skip…“Wow! The house looks stunning!” Spotless and dazzling under the patchy rays of the sun. The carpet is strewn with leaves on the portico. It is indeed a magnificent day to start afresh.
“To new beginnings” cheered Ashley with a mug of iced coffee.
Ashley quickly heated the soy milk for the family and started making chocolate-pistachio pancakes; favourite of any house. Latest cutlery was detached from its box and displayed proudly. A gleeful smile was painted on Ashley’s face. Blue China template for this splendid morning! Ashley never liked cleaning the stains around the stove and the panel. But, it had to be done. Scented anti-bacterial liquid was sprayed on the glass stove, knobs and the surface of the serving table. The used utensils were scrubbed and washed, to be displayed like proud badges on the wall. A yellow stain had blemished the immediate wall to the right, connected to the hall. Ashley watered the area, to let the air seep in and dissolve the stain.
“Finally”, mumbled Ashley.
With the family woken up, Ashley knew it was time to push each one to the staple dawn of regeneration. School uniforms were ironed, shoes buckled and hair put in place. The identical twins admired their new trolley bags and their sipper bottles with fresh lime juice. It was still warm and kids never drank enough water. Piping, hot turmeric water was poured for the cardiologist.
“I am proud of you” said Ashley.
“No, I am proud of you for keeping this house together” said the doctor.
The willow table now lay messy with plates, bowls, spoons and forks, attached to gooey, mushy maple syrup, cereal and fruit remains. Ashley frowned. There came a sudden mood shift.
“You know what, I am grateful for today’s food, Lord. Nothing makes me more gracious than being present for my family.”
In a few minutes, the table was wiped clean. Anyone could eat with their hands off that table. Deep cleaning does the trick of closing odour and dampness. Snapdragons with morning dew and daisies smelling of rain were carefully laid in a brass vessel and stood poised on top of the circulating wooden board. The board was replete with sauces, chilli flakes, pickled cucumbers and olives.
Ashley was proud of the way the refurbishment came out. This was just a humble wooden shack and Ashley had made it a resplendent home with a restricted financial income. Apart from a disciplined routine, Ashley loved baking. From crafting large abstract cakes to mini cupcakes and macaroons, Ashley made a niche’ in the residential society by eradicating sugar consumption. Ashley always made sure that the ingredients were all home made and not diluted with toxins. Ashley ticked away the chores for the day; picking flowers, clipping the bushes, sweeping the courtyard and tending to the black soil. Ater that, it was time for cleaning the floors. Soapy bubbles plopped and the rooms became sparkling clean. Clothes were hung in the backyard and apparels were shelved as in a boutique. Time flew, until the clock struck five. The kids will be here any moment! Ashley got out the trays from the fridge and poured dark chocolate over the cookies. The kids entered the house with empty stomachs and beaten faces.
“We are soooo hungry” echoed the twins.
“Milkshake and cookies coming right up” mimicked Ashley.
The distracted twins were forced to do their homeworks while Ashley prepped dinner.
The door was thrown open. “Phew! Long day,” said the doctor.
“Hey Doc! Are you tired? I will get you some tea.”
“Thanks, dear. How was your day?”
“Engaged. Totally.”
“I understand. I cannot imagine what you went through. Each day is a battle.”
Double bent, Ashley guffawed. His sound ran all over the house like a crackling hearth.
The hearth being the center of warmth.
“I know you would do this for me too, my dear wife.”
No comments:
Post a Comment