My mother, my first best friend

It is with profound grief that I announce that on 23rd November,  my mother, Mrs. Anuradha Kapoor passed on to her heavenly abode  Here I am penning down some thoughts about her.

My mother was my first best friend. From secrets to gossip to clothes to tea, we shared it all. From coloring books and matching pairs to reading to late night studies, she was always there for me. She was the one who shopped for earrings and stole, who helped me develop a unique sense of style. 

She was the glue that held the entire family together. She took care of us all, grandparents, my dad, myself and the entire family including Adhyayan, our son.

She struggled with a lot but she never complained. She created the most fabulous feasts when we were on foreign postings.  From extended family to our foreign embassy  family to neighbors everywhere, she charmed everyone with her smile, chats, delicious meals and comforting warmth.

She warmed my feet on chilly nights and heart when I was upset.

Cooking was many times her way of caring. Like the way catered to my food whims  during childhood, making chicken soup for grandparents when they were unwell or changing the family diet entirely when my dad lost his kidney.

She was close to all our house-helps across the years and would know all their life details, would take care of them but them gifts, make teas and snacks for them.

She was a modern woman who also valued herself and taught me the same. She enjoyed a good life, good food: within her set standards of discipline!, shopping, going out and celebrating every occasion. She played Dholak on my Sangeet and on our wedding , she was all grins. She looked fabulous.

She used to watch Flintstones with me with gusto equal to my childish wonder and do word search with me when I would be ill. She would tell me Kathas and yet used to love reading Filmfare and Stardust magazines. She introduced me to my first M & B!  And our son to his first nursery rhymes.

I never saw her cry till my dad passed away. She was a brave and strong woman. But she really missed him. It was heartbreaking to see her lose the sparkle in her eyes then. But she tried to hold it together.  She remembered all occasions but Jo was the apple of her eye.  The last thing she ever said to me was to take care of him. And in those last few days, she kept mentioning papaji. I hope and pray that they are reunited above.