Aaji... my grandmother.
Living alone in her 35 year old bungalow, at the age of 84, she is my source of affection and inspiration.
My first fondest memories of Aaji are travelling to Lonavla as a kid, in the local train, to be welcomed by her at the doorstep with a big grin. The days that followed were filled by feeding on the delicacies made by her and falling asleep at night, listening to local ghost stories that were apparently "true"!
As with most of the peers of her generation, she would constantly pester me about how I should get married at the right age or as I neared 30 - "its about time you have a kid now!" And yet, when I took a break from work, she was the biggest advocate for me, to restart my career. She would constantly remind me of my education and talent, and urge me that there is life beyond the four walls of the home.
The spirit for life that she has, is something that is fast diminishing in our generation. With the same enthusiasm as a 5-year old, she travelled 7000 km, all the way to London, to attend her grandson's wedding. As we danced ourselves crazy to the blaring music, she cheered us from the sidelines and refused to leave till the party was over!
In her own subtle ways, Aaji has passed down to me, not only good genes but also, fashion sense, question about the existence of God and need for independence.
Being her first grandchild, I have always had a "special status"... Similarly, she will always hold a special place in my heart.
Living alone in her 35 year old bungalow, at the age of 84, she is my source of affection and inspiration.
My first fondest memories of Aaji are travelling to Lonavla as a kid, in the local train, to be welcomed by her at the doorstep with a big grin. The days that followed were filled by feeding on the delicacies made by her and falling asleep at night, listening to local ghost stories that were apparently "true"!
As with most of the peers of her generation, she would constantly pester me about how I should get married at the right age or as I neared 30 - "its about time you have a kid now!" And yet, when I took a break from work, she was the biggest advocate for me, to restart my career. She would constantly remind me of my education and talent, and urge me that there is life beyond the four walls of the home.
The spirit for life that she has, is something that is fast diminishing in our generation. With the same enthusiasm as a 5-year old, she travelled 7000 km, all the way to London, to attend her grandson's wedding. As we danced ourselves crazy to the blaring music, she cheered us from the sidelines and refused to leave till the party was over!
In her own subtle ways, Aaji has passed down to me, not only good genes but also, fashion sense, question about the existence of God and need for independence.
Being her first grandchild, I have always had a "special status"... Similarly, she will always hold a special place in my heart.
