Motherhood is a mysteriously powerful thing. The special bond of creation! The pride a mother feels with every milestone in their child’s life is a milestone for her. I had the pleasure of seeing that glint of pride in someone else’s eyes. I saw the same pride I felt in my grandma’s eyes.
My grandma’s house was a special place for me and my cousins. I still remember the fragrance of my favorite cooked daal rice and the incense sticks’ aroma. The way she smelled when she embraced us. The house itself was our playground. The locality where she lived had an old-world vibe that I can not provide my kids now. The community was tight-knit; everyone came together; it was truly magical.
As we grew up, we became busier with our studies, but every holiday, that house came together with so much joy. Even when I lost my mom, I had the love and support of my family and aunts and my Granny! She has been my most prominent advocate. She loved us all equally, even though we fought among ourselves that we were her favorite. She knew our weaknesses and strengths and what we all liked to eat.
When I got married, I did not feel how she might be feeling to see her daughter’s daughter marry. She had gifted me a hand-knit scarf in my most loved color and a handwritten diary with her prayers and wishes for me. When I completed my Master’s degree after my marriage and having had kids, I still remember her saying- you are like your mother’s shadow but a piece of my heart. Only you would have taken the role of a mother and finished your studies.
I don’t remember a lot of my time after the delivery of both of my kids, but I do recall a moment when she had tears in her eyes to hold my son in her lap. I was still a young mom to understand the emotion. When she passed away, we were all with her. Even in the last days, she smiled, saying don’t worry- I am content. I have seen the ups and downs of my life and had the pleasure of raising beautiful daughters, grandkids, and great-grandkids.
I sit today all wrapped up in the love she sent to me, reminiscing about all the subtleties and grace you taught us and how to stand up for ourselves. She is my mom’s mom- my Nani!
A mother of two, Preeti Bhandari is a colloquial writer. She believes in simple living which reflects in her writings. As the Editor of Narisakti, she intends to use her vast experience to propel this platform to a cult status among entrepreneurial networks. When not writing she is quilling, both with paper and thoughts.