Pages

Monday, 16 December 2024

My mother

 Miss my mum even more so, at this time of the year.

What remain are beautifully nostalgic memories and a few keepsakes—a set of her old house keys, a faded passport, a weathered bank passbook, a gas regulator tucked away somewhere, and a handful of other little knick-knacks that hold so much meaning. Mothers are truly special, and mine was exceptional in every way.

Her unconditional love and countless sacrifices, most of which I only came to recognize and appreciate much later—were the bedrock of my childhood. She had an incredible memory and unmatched culinary skills, always creating magic in the kitchen. There were some dishes that only she could make! She was a remarkable woman, balancing her role as a part-time beautician and hairdresser, a job she pursued with passion, with being an exquisite dancer. Her graceful waltz, lively cha-cha-cha, and elegant tango were unforgettable. She was strikingly beautiful, poised, and ever so elegant.

She also had some special shops in Civil Lines, Allahabad, that she often visited as a young lady along with me, and later too—Ladies Corner, Kohinoor Chemist, Box Man, Fitwell and Chopra Shoes. There was a famous pastry shop that sold exquisite patties, chicken sandwiches, and pastries she loved (though I can’t quite recall the name). And of course, there was Penny's Beauty Parlour—run by her niece and my cousin—where she would go for her haircuts. Bushy the baker was a must-visit during Christmas time, to bake the traditional Christmas cakes. It wasn’t just about the cakes, though; it was also about catching up on the latest Allahabad news. The talkative baker always seemed to know everything—who baked what and how many! She traveled everywhere in a cycle rickshaw, often keeping the rickshaw driver waiting far too long, and ending up paying more than she should have.

She adored my wife, her daughter-in-law, and her two grandchildren with all her heart. Allahabad was her true home, especially her beloved house in the Thornhill Club, filled with countless friends and cherished memories. Even when she visited us in Pune or Dubai, her heart always longed to return to her home. It may not have been as comfortable as ours, but it was where she felt happiest.

She had a wonderful way of making even the ordinary seem extraordinary—feeding the stray dog that, in truth, may have adopted her; haggling with door-to-door vendors for the best deal; shouting at naughty boys playing football near her door, or sparring affectionately with the servant girl who often tested her patience. Her Sundays were incomplete without church, and even in her 80s, she carried herself with dignity, always looking fresh and tidy.

This Christmas, as every Christmas, I miss her deeply. Her absence is felt at every moment, but it’s during this season that the ache is strongest.

 Mum, you are missed every day, but especially now, when the warmth of your presence, your laughter, and your love would have lit up our celebrations.


Valentine Massey Penny's Beauty Parlour Annette D'SylvaAlisha GuzderPylee VargheseLorraine GomesHerman GomesStanley FrancisBrigitte FrancisEleanor Sybil DcruzMarushka Martins

No comments: