A Tale of Two Leaves: Sita and Shyama’s Story

 Sita and Shyama: best friends since college.  Fresh out of university, Sita bagged a job at Bonding Pipe Adhesive Pvt. Ltd., a structured mid-sized company with corporate policies and formal processes. Shyama, on the other hand, joined a sole proprietorship firm, a smaller setup, more personal, less rigid.

The initial employment objective was financial freedom, which shifted over time to preparing for a family and further nurturing this goal while retaining financial freedom.

Sita’s company, bound by the Maternity Benefit Act, approved her six months of paid leave, but Shyama’s case was different. Her employer wasn’t obligated by law to offer paid maternity leave, as there were no formal HR rules. But instead of drawing lines or cutting corners, her employer simply said: “Take the time you need. Work how and when you can. Your salary continues.”

Six months later, Sita was back at her desk. No further leave. She, with a heavy heart, had to resort to help for child care while Shyama’s journey looked entirely different. She returned gradually, working remotely, balancing motherhood and work in a rhythm that suited her reality. Her employer never asked for a doctor's note or time logs. He gave her space and believed she’d give her best when she could.  Both women were equally committed, equally capable. But their experiences showed something deeper:

Sometimes, what makes a workplace great isn’t policy. It’s empathy.

Sita and Shyama’s story reminds us that employers may be bound by different rules, but they are guided by values. One followed the letter of the law. The other followed the spirit of humanity.

In the end, both got leave. But only one felt truly cared for.