Memories

Written in response to : REVERSE SHOT  – What’s your earliest memory involving another person? Recreate the scene — from the other person’s perspective.

I had come home on leave. My mother was in hospital, recovering from a surgery. After a quick wash and change, I went to the hospital to meet her.

Amma was in good spirits and happy to see me. I was glad I could make her happy. I was her firstborn and needless to say, I was her favorite child as I had been away from home. 

An hour later, my 18 year old sister walked in. She gave me a happy fierce hug. I was meeting her after months. As our excited chatter died down,  I noticed a wisp of a girl in the room  – she stood awkwardly in a corner as the family exchanged happy hellos and caught up with each other. My sister followed my gaze and said, Oh I forgot.. this is Aruna Menon.

She was my sister’s current best buddy in the pre med school they were attending together.

“Hello,” I said,  “I am Rajiv.” ” Hi”, she said in a strong, clear voice, “I am Aruna. I come sometimes to meet aunty ”  Her awkwardness had vanished. She was at ease with herself and I was at ease with her. She left a few minutes later.

I would remember this moment 7 years later, as Aruna and I got married. I would never have thought then, that this thin scrawny, young girl with luminous eyes would become such a dear friend over the years and finally become my best buddy for life.My sister and Aruna were now full fledged doctors and were still the greatest of friends.

I like to think that my mother was also happy that day, as she,by then, a star in the sky, blessed us from above.

I lost Amma 33 years ago, this day. She was the gentlest and yet the strongest soul I ever knew. Always a giver, she was one of the greatest influences of my life.

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