Tapasya ~ A Perfect word to describe my Mom

“Sunnu, I love you very much..” were the last words of the letter with small white & pink flowers in it, which I found hidden under silk sarees in the godrej cupboard. I just couldn’t believe the letter which I held in my hands was a love letter written by my Dad for my Mom J

Back in 1980s, the major source of communication was the letters. A pure arrange marriage of a simple south Indian girl ( who was never allowed to step out of house alone, who was never allowed to wear salwar kameez - the only options were half sarees or sarees, who was the eldest among her 5 siblings and was her Dad’s laadli ) with a small town boy ( who was sincerely committed to his studies and work, for whom his family was the utmost priority ) was the beginning of a lovely story of my parents.

Soon after they got married, I was born and then my brother. Complete family :) in a small town of Maharashtra J I still remember those Sundays mornings, having Idli/Dosa in front of TV while watching Mahabharat !!!!... My lil bro used to stand in the front, fold his hands and say the poems and Dad used to proudly hug him. The very first time when I danced on Sridevi’s song ‘Mere hatho mai naw naw chudiya hai..’ :D in my school annual function, My dad invited his office boss for the function :D My dad like every father was super proud of his kids. Also, he always wanted my mom to be an independent woman. But my mom continued to be a shy and a girl next to door types. 

Suddenly things changed when my dad met with an accident. He carried the driver who met with major injuries to civil hospital and thankfully he was treated on time. Even though my dad did not suffer any visible injuries, internal injuries were severe. Our sweet little world was shaken and my mom was completely broken. All the hopes were gone when my dad took his last breath and left us forever. I was 8 then and had no clue of what has just happened. The moment I realized the truth, all I could think about was, ‘what would happen to my mom’. Loosing a father at such a tender age, changes a kid in many ways which you can’t even think of. Handling my brother who was just 5, was a major challenge ahead. It’s the time when you are forced to be responsible and live your life without the person who was your life before.

My mom who was left behind with two small kids to take care of, stood up bravely and stepped out of house for earning. Soon she grew into a fearless, strong and independent woman I know. A journey from a house wife to an independent single parent was full of sacrifices. I still get goose bumps thinking of those days. She proved that a woman can do anything and everything for her kids.

Amma, you’ve been a superhero since then. You have done everything that Dad could ever do for us.

She had to be both a mother and father to us and she perfectly fitted in those shoes. I miss you Appa when I look at my friend’s dads. But mom has never given a chance to feel your absence.

I was brought up to be independent woman by mom and she gave me strength to be what I wanted. 

Thanks Amma for being so kind, loving and understanding… Thanks for being my Mom J

I am sure wherever dad is, he would be very happy to see you grow into an independent and strong woman And a perfect parent to us :)

Love you always,
Ashu