'Tara', Hindu name; means a twinkling star,
belongs to my maternal grandmother.
A week ago, my sister suddenly called up for video chat and told someone wants to see me. She handed phone to....
An oval wheatish face appeared on my phone screen; with wrinkled skin; sparse eyebrows; pointed nose; lips seems to shrunk like faded rose petals; grey hairs covered with part of unpinned, printed saree she wore .... 'My Granny'.
A 78 years old deepened eyes twinkling with wisdom of experience seems to be confused where to look either in the front camera of phone or display screen. Obviously she chose later one, as she saw my smile on it and eagerly gave back 'most adorable smile' with a very familiar complaint that I don't call her on regular basis.
She continued her talk; asking whereabouts of my daughters and life abroad. After answering all of her questions, finally I got a chance to ask about her health to which she replied with sigh "I have been weakened now days".... and sudden her facial expression murged to be pale. She ordered me "keep calling" and gave back phone to my sister.
Me and my sister wrapped up our talk soon as sister found me not so attentive that very moment and she was right....
My thoughful eyes were still glued to sudden disapperant granny's wrinkled face and each single line of wringle has story of her graceful ageing summoned to my memories as a deep affectionated tale......
Granny got married at the age of mid thirteen to grandpa who had very impactful persona. Though, she use to look comparatively ordinary; her abilities of firm decision and caring approach made her 'a lady' behind all the success achieved by Grandpa.
During childhood, I use to visit 'Granny's town', twice a year for vacations when she use to wore a well pinned up, ironed saree and looked very pretty. I do remember, many incident of that time. One of them; actually bumped me to know her name...... A prime time 'Drama serial' that my granny use to watch without missing a single episode led me in surprise when I found her with very much concern towards the main character....who was sharing her name with granny.
Many things I wonder about her; includes her mathematical skills even she hardly completed her primary schooling; correct interpretations about people; and energetic stamina of her slender body but after grandpa; it all fastened to be aged and weakened too......
I realised the value of having such 'wonderful grandmother' when my parents sent me to granny's place for higher studies and it was her encourement and support, helped me to became 'university topper' in my post graduation.
I shared a very warm bond with her by that time. I do remember, she use to wait for me; to return from college peeping through window as like a mother of small kid, she made delicious food for me specially buttery chapaties, she guided and guarded me very well when needed. I also looked after her, by taking her on regular doctor visit, bringing her favourite milkshakes and juices, making calls for her and specially listening to her complaints genuinely.
She not only built up an inner strong soul of mine but also became a lightening path for me in many difficulties. Thus how I admire my granny, 'Tara' like a twinkling star who is brightened with affectionated light of wisdom.....
I am happy and excited to share these memories with my kids about their 'great' great grandmother.
I am happy and excited to share these memories with my kids about their 'great' great grandmother.
