My Dearest Baiya,
The thought of coming out with an open letter to you , carrying the news of your earthly departure on a public domain, seemed like an unnecessary task or drama
initially, I told myself I am not an attention craving person, however, every hero deserves their due, especially those who
never sing their own praises. I start with telling you Nani, I love you very
very much. Thank you for giving me your precious time and the incredible
moments that we shared together in this lifetime. Not everyone was as lucky to
have this special bond that I had with you. Mumbai meant Nani house and any house that you
stayed became that for us. Being in Mumbai and not being at Nani house is a NO
NO…it didn’t matter if you are just in transit. It is was a protocol to land in
Mumbai airport, even if for a few
minutes and to call you and then bear the brunt of it by your complaining
of not coming to see you. I loved that adulation and attention that you gave
away, even in that disgruntled tone, it was love showering
unconditionally. I must tell you Nani, I
am not mourning your loss for I have decided to celebrate your life just in the
same way that you asked me to live my life. I recall you tell me once, when I
was really upset about something - Life is to be lived in joy,
so don’t give a damn and if you can’t have fun , please work but don’t sulk.
You are my best friend Nani, you
knew me better than most of my friends and siblings. Our night long chats and
laughter , we spoke about so many
things. From the growing years of your
children, India’s freedom struggle- which you and Nana were an active part of, your trips to America and your take on modern life. You had such a way with words,
and such a humorous take on many serious issues which just took away any
tension. You were my sounding board and so loyal that just one side of the
story would do ;)..I had it easy with
you!..You promised me several times to take my parents to task for troubling me
and those were my secret victory moments
Nani, Your personality can’t be
beaten, yes beauty in the genes but for someone who wore Khadi through her
young to old. Clad in white always – your dressing depicted who you were pure,
loving and principled. In your last days I begged you to wear a comfortable gown and no matter how inconvenient it was a to wrap a saree , or maintain a
khadi white you wouldn’t listen. Thanks for teaching me not to bow
unnecessarily to peoples pressures and to stay true to myself
If you were born in my era, I can’t
imagine the heights you would have scaled professionally. You were so well
read, ahead of times and ambidextrous. You could literally hand make every
single thing, including our play toys, which each of your grandchildren and
great grandchildren had been lucky to have had, we were lucky to have adorned the
clothes you sewed and the blankets you weaved for us. When I met you a few
weeks ago, you told me this is perhaps the last meeting and you wanted me to
take your watch, I joked that you have been warning me about this for years and
that I was coming back. I am sorry I didn’t come back, but I will truly cherish
this time piece forever, that will remind me that there should be more time for
people we love and yes the clock is always ticking.
My dear
best friend, I am missing you a hell lot and I know many who are missing you.
You were the shining light wherever you went, your presence, aura and
righteousness was unparalleled. I know my letter to you is in English, but you
know in heaven they say everything is language neutral and knowing the
voracious reader you are, I am sure you will read this letter time and again
and send me commentaries in mystic ways. Ms. Godavari Mahavir Prasad Tanna, my Nani, my
friend, love you and thank you for showing me what loving unconditinally means....Hugs!!
Love
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