# The Heart of Generosity: Lessons from Kirti
Written on
Chapter 1: A Warm Welcome
“Would you like to enjoy Kathal curry (raw jackfruit) tomorrow?” Kirti inquired with a smile. Each day, she brought a new vegetable to the table, eager to know my preferences. Then she would add, “I’ve placed the Kathal curry in choti bhabhi’s (younger daughter-in-law’s) fridge upstairs. Be sure to have it tonight.”
Kirti, a slender, youthful, and energetic maid, quickly captured my attention during my visit to my sister in India. Her serious dedication to her work and her nimble movements were hard to miss. Each morning, she came to prepare breakfast for my sister’s family.
In the past, my trips to my sister's home were brief, but Kirti always went out of her way to pamper me, ensuring I savored every dish I loved. Despite being younger than me, she made certain that I didn’t miss out on anything. However, this visit was different; my brother-in-law was gravely ill, and I wanted to support my sister during this challenging time. Her constant worry for him was palpable, and her primary focus was rightly on nursing him back to health.
It happened to be the month of fasting, and it was only my second night in India. I planned to stay for several weeks. I woke up early for the pre-dawn meal, during which my sister’s daughter-in-law, Sahar, hesitantly offered me a bowl containing a modest serving of cooked vegetables paired with Indian bread.
After this meal, Sahar and I wouldn’t eat again until sunset. The simple dish felt insufficient. What happened to the leftovers from the previous night?
Sahar, with a disappointed expression, explained that everything had been eaten. Noticing her sadness, I suppressed my own disappointment and suggested that we should save some food for our early morning meals.
The next day, Sahar instructed Kirti to set aside some food in her apartment’s fridge upstairs, likely mentioning the previous night's mishap. Kirti quickly understood and efficiently began saving food in Sahar’s fridge. She would then come to inform me of what she had prepared and left for me.
Every day, Kirti asked about my preferences: “Do you enjoy bhindi (okra)? How about baigan (eggplant)? Today, I’ll prepare methi aalu (fenugreek leaves with potatoes). On my way home tonight, I’ll pick up some bhaji (greens).” I assumed she also managed the grocery shopping for my sister’s kitchen.
I appreciated Kirti’s enthusiasm and didn’t want to disappoint her, so I replied, “Yes, I love all vegetables!” which was mostly true!
As my visit was nearing its end, I noticed my sister's household staff exceeded her family size. Some Indians live in such luxury, a stark contrast to my life in Australia where we manage everything ourselves.
I made it a point to tip all the staff before heading home, with Kirti being at the top of my list. She expressed her sadness about my impending departure, often saying, “Next time, you must stay longer.” When I pressed a gift into her hand, she hesitated but eventually accepted it, stating, “This will buy my daughter’s school books.”
Upon returning home, my mind was filled with the cherished moments I always experienced in India. Despite the sweltering heat of May, being reunited with family is something I hold dear.
Later, my sister called to inform me that she had a small amount of money I left behind and asked if she could give it to Kirti, as she had bought vegetables for my sister’s household using her own funds!
What??? I was taken aback. This humble maid, with two young children in school, was spending her hard-earned money to please us? What kind of heart did she possess? Not only was she cooking for us, but she was also quietly buying and preparing meals without ever mentioning it!
I felt genuinely ashamed. Those of us with plenty often hesitate to share with those who have less. Yet here was someone selflessly providing for us, whom she had no obligation to serve.
What if the Kirtis of this world held power? Would anyone ever go hungry?