A unique aspect of the daily life of urban India is the "help." The bai (maid), the dhobi (washerman), and the chowkidar (watchman) are as integral to the household rhythm as the family members. The morning gossip with the maid over cutting onions is often the only social outlet for a homemaker, and the 20 rupees given to the watchman every festival cements a feudal yet affectionate bond.