The present. My childhood friend Neelu came over today. She brought me an early birthday gift- containing a bounty of gifts. Notably old photographs. There are two of mine with the children when they are both under 10 years old, and I’m all dressed up in a gold tusser silk Saree, with a bindi at Babar Road, with my beloved BA and JM. Instantly felt I should never have left india, because it meant parting with them, not having their nurturing love and blessings in my and the children’s lives. That would be worth more than all the riches I am have accumulated in the world.
Neelu also had a picture of me climbing on the cage of a young tree outside my grandparents home. I’m about three or four years old. There are no cars on the street, except my grandfather’s white Chevrolet and all the houses are single storied. Our mothers were friends from before they were married, so my mum would have sent this photo to Neelu’s mum, who moved to Nairobi after her marriage and later they came to England. So it’s good that Neelu and I can catch up when I’m spending time here.
Neelu also brought me a poem I had written, dedicated to her. It’s dated December 2, 1982. My Marion Richardson handwriting is still quite neat- not the scrawl I have now. That was the blast from the past, which came bearing a plethora of precious gifts. Thank you, Neelu.
After Neelu left in the afternoon, Palli came over. She has been diligently coming everyday, a couple of times a day, to check up on me while A is away on work. This evening I made mushroom quesadillas and Palli helped with the tomato salsa, and we ate dinner together. So much kindness. Neelu and Palli, bridging my past and present. I feel loved. I hope I do not take this gift of love for granted.
Actually it all started in the morning. Aiva was coming and she was here bang at 10:00 am, with a huge bouquet of the most beautiful flowers. So the house was happy to get Aiva’s thorough treatment and I decided to wash all the small area rugs in the bathrooms, which dried pretty soon in the bright sunny day. So happy house invited more happiness.
I think I need a website to post pictures of special occasions and gifts. There are about 8 kinds of flowers in the bouquet and I placed them near my writing area. Aiva needn’t have, but she did, setting off the tone to a blessed day.
Praying for a restful night as I go to bed with gratitude, yet again, for the kindness of so many good people that make my life a joy!
Veenu Banga
11:59pm
May 21, 2025
No comments:
Post a Comment