Unusual name for a Maharashtrian girl. She got her name thanks to her Aapa Mama, her maternal Uncle, inspired from the Nehru family as he was a freedom fighter and worked closely with the family. Peeroj Atya (Father’s sister) moved on, its not even a week. Our family times together flash like a movie since then in my mind.
A stricture to rules and discipline she was a Teacher and that explains her high octave since she had to make her voice heard right till the last bench. Truth be told as a child I was scared of her. Wouldn’t stay around her vicinity but observe her from far. Always well dressed she loved her sarees, bangles, necklaces, gajras and venis. Always admired her thick long black hair which she oiled well and tied into a plaid every single time. One trait of hers which I respected a lot was she would ensure that the elders, even siblings were addressed with due respect like, tai, dada, vahini. Though she is elder to my Mother she addressed my Mother as Vahini though my Mother was younger to her, only because she is her elder brother’s wife. She was highly opinionated though and made her voice heard which made her a little unpopular, even within her close circle.
Second sister of the four, all the sisters had an unique trait…they all stuck together like a pack of cards and looked after each others’ back, though they had huge difference of opinions. Another common trait is that they have highest regard for my Father, their Bhai (one of the names for an elder brother) and doted on him. This bond brought our families together and we were blessed to have experienced the love and caring of all the sisters which they showered on our family. I experienced what a deep bond felt like only because of my atyas.
Peeroj atya loved to give gifts. Every time she was expected at my paternal grandmothers’ house rest assured we would get a gift. She did not show her affection through action but always mentioned niceties of people to other people. And we got to know about it from the other people. I remember a cousin of my mentioning to me that Peeroj atya was praising me as the best daughter one can have for the way I had taken care of my Father and am taking care of my Mother. She never mentioned this to me ever. But in the last decade she had mellowed down and we would have conversations. She had a unique quality…she would always mention the good qualities of people to others. She loved to tell stories of their childhood. She had fond memories of Baba and how he had stood by her through her tough times. Baba was her go to person and she idolized him. She always said that the sisters were blessed to have a brother like my Father who was almost like a Father to them.
She loved to solve puzzles like my Father. She sang well. She had also tried a stint at the All India Radio. She loved to cook and feed. Our family would often visit them for lunch and I remember the fish curry and fruit salad. Needless to say we would carry gifts home.
Atya would always be remembered fondly by me. The trueness and genuineness of her affection was endearing. Though she had a tough life, tragedy of losing a son aged 50 years, she never spoke about it. I have learnt a lot from her strength and independence.
She is now with her loved ones – her Son, her Brother and her elder Sister…
Rest in peace Atya…
A Write Path 