You are my weakness Aaji.

 Dear Aaji(nani),

I had made karanji (coconut filled gujiya) the other day and once again it took me back, down the memory lane.

"Roll the roti from one side only, it keeps moving as the roller glides and you get the perfect round shape". My first cooking lesson was under your guidance. I never obliged my mom by listening to her when she asked me to learn to cook. But you always said, "Don't learn to cook for someone else. It's a basic survival skill. It's for you. You love to eat, don't you?".

From round rotis to Indian desserts, I came a long way, of course with your help and inputs. Food cooked by you was my weakness. "Even if you make a normal varan-bhaat (dal-rice), it tastes heavenly", was an inarguable statement.

You were always one call away, whenever I needed your help.

Aaji, when I laid my head in your lap, it was the best pillow in this whole world. Your soft hands caressing my forehead, it wouldn't take even minutes for me to fall asleep. Your lullabies still keep echoing in my ears and I sang the same to my kids.

Whenever we used to travel, you made it a point to carry huge tiffins, loaded with food, thermos with pipping hot tea, "In case the train gets delayed or something, it's better to be prepared", you said. Planning and organising was what I learnt from you. Be it travelling or money management, you handled it all. You hadn't even passed your grade 4, yet, you read the newspapers, wrote small notes and lists, on day-to-day basis. You were a math genius when it came to money management. I guess, if you ever had an opportunity to be in the industry, you would've been a financial advisor or something.

You rebuked us, grandchildren, whenever it was necessary and pampered us to the fullest, at other times. Your love was unconditional. I depended upon it so much so that it was kind of debilitating sometimes (but in a good sense).

Whenever I make something or try a new recipe, your face flashes in front of me, as if, you are watching me progress in the field, you were the master of.

You taught me some important life lessons, like, keep giving, even if no one reciprocates. You had so much to give, to all of us, but you never expected anything from us in return.

After you left this earthly abode,  you were missed by each and everyone around you. And, all that everyone had to say, was, 'you were a gem of a person'. I guess that's what you meant by 'my treasure', your people, your kin, who, with your kind words and actions, were always connected to you.

You were beautiful inside out. It was difficult for me to accept your absence in my life. I am still struggling, as, you keep appearing in my dreams. Aaji the nostalgia linked with you, is my weakness.

"Not all weaknesses make you feeble,

Some pick you up from the abyss to make you able".

Love,

Jui.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Sometimes the person who gives you strength, is also your weakness! 

I was blessed to have got loved by grandparents from both side of my parents. Their love is something I cherish forever. This is my humble attempt for the prompt Strength-Weakness.

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