Grandparents Day! My busy and hectic life didn’t let me think about any such frivolous, Archie’s marketing induced specific day celebration until I got a call from Kalpana. She called me to check if I was participating in this celebration for grandparents. And, it is then that it struck me that my granny was really sick and lonely, and I never gave much thought to it except when I was the one responsible to book medicines or other necessities. I didn’t realize she needed US.
I was taken aback to so many summer vacations spent at her hosue when she was younger and enthusiastic. How she would meticulously plan everything – the food, the picnic, the parting gifts. How she was the one who would always be ready to shower us with the gifts at the drop of the hat.
And, then that moment for which I cant ever thank my granny enough – when I was pregnant, she came all the way despite being not that well physically, just to bless me and shower me with lots of love and gifts. She was the one who said – don’t worry everything will be fine and tied a red thread around my waist to keep me and the baby safe. She knew mine was a precious pregnancy.
I just got in the car and we drove to her. On the way we called cousins and their kids to come along too. Surprise!
Today, she is in bed, always on oxygen, very frail, her eyes always looking at the door and waiting for us. Her eyes had a twinkle. Her hands were even softer. I couldn’t see her in that way. I want my granny back. I want my son to see how ‘mast’ she was.
Can I turn the clock back, maybe just a little bit?
And, do you know the most interesting thing here – she is my husband’s granny. I didn’t even spend summer vacations with her. But she loves me more, for sure. I still remember how once when I went to her on a yearly home visit she stood in the kitchen half-bent, instructing the maid, and cooking herself – her very special dish – the chingdi malai curry ( prawn malai curry). She sang along while moving the spatuala in the kadai. She gave me glancing looks every now and then. When I said, teach me how to make – she said just enjoy the aroma and food today. I will teach you some other day.
It was the best every prawns I will ever taste in my life. Neither was it fancy nor served with Chardonnay wine. Yet, the aroma fused in nostalgia is an experience to hold very close to my heart.
Granny, sorry that I got so busy!
Happy Grandparents Day
#LoveJatao before it is too late.
