Kalpana’s move to KathmanduCEFR B1
29 Dec 2023
Adapted from Nepali Times, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by sippakorn yamkasikorn, Unsplash
Kalpana moved to Kathmandu after marrying and she trained at home in beauty skills like threading, waxing and facials. Friends told her these skills would be useful in the city or abroad. She found work in a beauty parlour and expected a place to meet other women and share simple meals such as buff momo or WaiWai with channa.
She works from 10–5 daily. The job paid little but the owner promised tips and she managed to save 3,000 rupees a month after expenses. Commuting is difficult: bus rides feel crowded and sometimes humiliating, and her monthly travel costs are NPR 5,000.
After a drop in business the owner decided to sell or reinvent the shop. She kept it open, added a “massage” sign and trained the three women, including Kalpana, in new techniques. As a masseuse Kalpana sometimes sees male clients. When a man asked for an inappropriate service she left the room and called Didi, who replaced her. She fears her husband’s reaction and says she would take another job if she could; for now her plans depend on money and safety.
Difficult words
- parlour — shop that offers hair and beauty services
- tip — extra money paid for good servicetips
- commute — travel regularly between home and workCommuting
- humiliating — making someone feel ashamed or embarrassed
- expense — money needed for daily costs or billsexpenses
- masseuse — person who gives massage treatments to clients
- inappropriate — not suitable or proper in a situation
- depend — be controlled by something else
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Kalpana saves 3,000 rupees but spends 5,000 on travel. What problems does this create for her, and what could she do to improve the situation?
- Do you think the owner made the right decision to add massage services and train the women? Why or why not?
- If you were Kalpana, would you try to find another job or stay in this one for now? Explain your choice briefly.
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