Grandmother-for me
She is another word for love that remain there spreading
the most wonderful fragrance throughout my life.
I was born in an ancient aristocratic family in Kerala.
The house was a traditional Naalukettu which was made
for the accommodation for people up to 50.
Papa used to get transferred frequently which made him
to leave me with my grandmother which now I think the
most wonderful thing he did for me.
Caste system was prominent during that time. People
belong to other caste and religion, were not permitted
to enter the courtyard.
In a house that was made for a huge family I was left
alone. Upon the branches of the mango trees, I used to
lie down and watch the wonderful sky.
There were clouds wandering, birds flying to distant.
I observed the sun in his journey from dawn to dusk.
The loneliness took me to the magical world of books.
They were the best friends I have ever made.
Grandmother carefully watched my silence. All that
she did was to leave me myself.
During the nights I laid down on her laps listening to
beautiful stories.
Strange, I don’t remember the stories but only her voice!
The summary of her stories was just to love which I
think is the most precious asset in my life.
I fell into sleep listening to the magical music in her
voice and being caressed by her fingers.
I was growing up.
Papa had returned and now it is time for us to move to
a new house.
I was quite excited. A new house, presence of my papa,
mamma and sister! All that I dreamt had come true!
I was in my 7th grade. We planned to go to school to
collect and to leave directly from there. We stepped
down from the house.
But immediately I felt something strange. I felt my
throat is going to break. I felt my legs are paralyzed.
I ran back and embraced my grandmother to burst out.
Papa dragged me back. At the new environment I was
left miserable. I strange looks from my classmates
made it worst. I just wanted to go back.
I started sending post cards on which I scribbled all
my heart. The days were going on and on. One day we
got a call.
My grandmother has fallen ill. We started immediately.
It was just vomiting. She had the same problem earli
had the worst news to tell us.
My grandmother is suffering from abdominal cancer
and that too in its final stage where no treatment can
save her. She couldn't eat anything. If she eats she will
vomit. Day by day she fell weaker and weaker.
I had to go to school for my exams. When I came back
after a couple of days from distance I could hear loud
voice of my relatives and when they noticed me ...
everything stopped.
I went into the room where my grandmother was laying.
I called her. In soft voice she asked me to fetch her
some water. I took a glass full of water and she was
drinking it as if she didn't drink water since days.
She looked silently, when my fingers moved slowly on
her white hair. I could find tear drops falling from the
corners of her eyes.
The day my grandmother left me will remain as the
most tragic day in my life. I watched helplessly my
grandmother reducing to ashes.
There was a custom of feeding the crows in the name
of the person died.
Grandma’s children and grandchildren had to perform t
his one by one.
If the crow comes it was believed that she herself had
come and taken her food. Strange it was, no crows
approached anyone except me.
I heard people whispering- ‘see, he is so dear to her.’
My grandma is still alive! Sitting somewhere upon the
sky she will be watching me growing to fulfill all her
dreams.
And for me my grandmother is just my life because my
life is the continuation of her and I wish if she can still
continue her life with my daughter after I go to meet
my grandma there, far away!!
Pratheesh Nambiar
India
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