The Momma Clan

Dear Mausaji,

I do not have enough words to thank you for selecting me as a life partner for your nephew fifty-two years ago. They say things happen suddenly. It was a chance to meet you and Mausi by God’s grace. You both met me at a wedding and approached my father with a proposal for your nephew. Oh! It was a dream come true for me, and the talks were held and the date was fixed for the meeting of the boy and the girl in front of the family. I was so nervous as I was just 22 years of age and a shy and timid girl. I am happy to have your nephew as my life partner.

Well, all went off well, and the engagement date was fixed. The date of our marriage was fixed after three months of preparation.

The running around started, and you and Mausi were a great help in my shopping for certain things.

I do not know, Uncle, what you saw in me, and you showered so much love and affection on me; I am thankful and grateful to you forever.

You used to praise me to everyone you met: “She is our best daughter-in-law, and we love her for her kindness and lovable nature. She is a simple girl.” I used to feel embarrassed in front of the people. “You are the sweetest and most lovable person who supported me to study further and pursue my B.Ed.

Whenever you visited us, you used to buy sweets or fruits and love our children. They had three daughters, and so he brought his grandson’s very affectionately. He used to do anything for them.

We both showered our love and affection on both of you.

When we visited you both in Kolkata, you took us on the tram to many places. Walked with us from Baliganj to Kalighat. We used to have that ‘Khulahd’ Chai and tasted the street chats.

On our way back, we stopped at the sweet shop, and I was amazed to see the size of the rasgullas, which were very cheap.

You got my favourite flavour of ice cream. I cherish each moment of your love towards us.

On my birthday, you sent me a beautiful card, and some of them I still have with me. Once you gave me the title “My Princess, who is the best.”

I have saved it, and it is in one of my books as a ‘bookmark.’

I can go on  and on writing about you.

I appreciate your energy to be active till the last years of your life. 

Yes, we were saddened to see you forgetting our names at times when we visited you both. 

The humorous way you narrated incidents of your childhood, maybe a made-up one, as my husband said. I loved the expressions you made while narrating them.

I asked you once, “Uncle, is it a true incident, and have you seen it?”

Yes, it happened in Kerala.

No one could control their laughter when you were around.

Thank you for loving our children, and they still talk about you to their children, our grandkids.

You both had to spend some years suffering due to old age. We sit now and talk about visiting you both in  Kolkatta and the lovely time spent with you both.

We used to enjoy the hot Samosas and the Chumchum and Gulabjamuns. Nothing compared to Kolkatta Sweets, which is tasty and the cheapest.

Your daughters, at times, said, ”You love Poornima more than us.”

I am happy they all were loving and loved me like you.

An unforgettable  person

Thank you. 

Poornima  Sivaraman