THE VISIT
The mission of reconciliation to my paternal home in Mumbai turned out in the manner we least expected. On sighting Grandma from afar, Mum knelt down, touching her ears as she moved on her knees from the gate to where she was, begging for mercy in tears. Her knees bruised as she moved along, desperately in need of peace. It would take the devil himself to be unmoved at the sight of this scene. Grandma never saw this coming, as she was motionless throughout and quite difficult to tell her next line of action. Mum was obviously in pain, and I hated to see her in that manner. I gently wiped away the tear that dropped my cheek. When she got to her, she bowed and touched her feet, kissing them
LIVING WITH MY AUNTThe unfriendly reception I got from my aunt gave me a hint that I was in for trouble. She showed me the way to my room and asked me to meet her in the kitchen after showering. It was too early to miss my mother, but I did it anyway. I compared her reception with what Mum would have done on my arrival - the embrace, the kisses, the pampering, the list would be endless. I exhaled to let out negative energies when I said, ‘I’m already here, and there is no going back. So, stay focused’.I joined my aunt i
MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IN SCHOOLDelhi Public School (DPS) was a famous society in India with twelve of its private schools spread across Delhi alone. My school, particularly, stood out of them all by strictly following its original mandate to set up higher standards of education, making conscious efforts to turnout outstanding scholars with balanced personalities. DPS, R. K. Puram, was the best in spicing up teaching with games, like Sports and other Extracurricular activities.My first time in school was fun-fil
THE LETTERMum received the letter and after reading its content she became uneasy with the message. She started making some preparations to visit my grandparents and intimate them about what was going on so that they would take necessary actions to help me. She wrote and sent a letter ahead to notify my grannies about her visit without letting them know the purpose of the visit.A week later, Mum embarked on her train journey to Mumbai. The journey would take almost an entire day to arrive in Mumbai, considering the transfers and intermittent stopping at various junctions. She boarded the first train departing from Bombel Patel station because there was no direct train from Uttar Pradesh to Mumba
The Suicide AttemptAll efforts to take my life proved abortive, as Grandma stayed glued to me with comforting words throughout our stay in Mumbai. She was just all over me with lots of pampering and making sure that I was alright. Frequently, she specifically prepared meals and fed me herself. The most embarrassing aspect of the pampering was to bathe me, even at almost age twelve. I permitted her anyway because as it was with me; I was ready to stink for all I care. Had she not insisted that I ate, I would
Loss of Memory"Mother! She is awake!’’ Nadia ran to her mother in excitement to break the good news. Her family had long been waiting for the stranger to get out of her comatose state that lasted for four weeks. The major sign of improvement that kept them hopeful was her mumbling of words. For the past four weeks, she had been in seemingly deep sleep under the care of Kamala and her family. Kamala was a medicine woman married to Mr. Barad, a Koli fisher and graduate living in a village near Worli, a posh city in Mumbai. They both had a child they named Nadia, and had been finding it difficult to conceive again after her birth, nine years ago.Mr. Barad had g
The New FamilyAmira’s stay with the Barad family seemed to have attracted more blessings to the family as they all recorded profound progress in their daily life endeavours, which Kamala had not failed to notice that she found her more endearing. On one of the nighttime discussions with her husband, Kamala affirmed Amira was the light that came to the family because their livelihood and general wellbeing had improved since she became a part of them.Amira and Kamala grew very fond of each other that they could talk about everything and anything, and tease each other a lot too. Many people admire their kind of friendship, especially after knowing they were not siste
THE CONVERSATION“Kamala, we have an unfinished business,” Amira reminded Kamala on their way from the bush to get herbs, as they walked on the narrow dirt path that led to their home.“Oh, yes! Dish-making was the last to-do on the list. Is there anything else we have left unattended to?” she replied as she searched through her memory for what we have left out. It has been a hectic day, and her plan was to rest her tired body after cooking for the family.“Yes, please continue the story about Amira as we walk back to the house.”“I know you like gist, but didn’t know you were that obsessed. Where
Sarah regains her memory!By the time Sarah woke up, Anika had left the house with his foster father. She tried to talk about the seemingly embarrassing situation as proof of getting back her memory, but Mr Barad and his wife were unwilling to give her a listening ear mainly because they were trying to ward off the thoughts of reality dawning on them at the time that they wished she stayed longer with them.They were uncertain about what would become of the family if they lose the relationship that they have built with her when she regains her memories. Her presence had brought remarkable growth to the family, and letting her go might be letting go of the aura of blessings around them. Second, they were trying to pro