Check out 16 Return-To-Work Programs In India For Ambitious Women Like You!
Granny would read to me stories from an old leather bound book. She never let me touch the volume. It was hers, off limits and only she could read from it.
As the bus panted its way through the lush foliage of the foothills, I craned my neck out of the window and inhaled deeply. The hills smelled the same, of pine and juniper. The crisp breeze whispered of winter. I sighed albeit sadly for this journey was tinged with sorrow.
**
My childhood vacations were spent at Granny’s house in the hills. I was orphaned at seven. Granny, a widow, took me in and raised me. At the age of ten, she enrolled me in boarding school so that I could receive a better education. But, I always went home for the vacations. They were a magical time for us both.
Granny’s sprawling bungalow was built around a central courtyard, dominated by a huge Mango tree. On sunlit winter afternoons, she would bundle up in her cashmere shawl, drape a woolen scarf over her ears and sit in the courtyard. I would happily lounge nearby. Oh, I loved those afternoon dalliances of ours. Granny would read to me stories from an old leather bound book. She never let me touch the volume. It was hers, off limits and only she could read from it. It was all quite mysterious and terribly exciting for a child.
Once I had asked, ‘Granny, why is this book so special?’
She had winked, smiled and said, ‘because it’s magical.’
As years passed, I grew up, finished school and moved farther away for graduation. Granny’s tales were an undeniable influence in my career choice. I studied English Honors and then journalism. My visits home became infrequent but Granny and I still communicated with each other on the phone.
Then one day, Kaki*, Granny’s caretaker called.
‘Ruhi, Granny’s gone,’ she sobbed.
My world rocked. Suddenly, I felt rudderless and alone. Needless to say, I went back home. As I entered her room, there, by her bedside lay the book.
‘She wanted you to have it,’ Kaki said embracing me.
Almost reverently I flipped open the pages. ‘What the…? It’s blank.’ I looked at Kaki, mystified. Are you sure this is the book that Granny read to me from in childhood, the story book?’
Kaki smiled. ‘Of course it is.’
‘But Kaki, it’s blank.’
Kaki’s eyes twinkled. ‘Don’t you remember Granny’s words Ruhi?’
I scrunched up my face at the elusive memory. My mind flew to the many conversations we had shared in the courtyard. Snippets from a long lost conversation came to mind now.
‘Ruhi, always remember that words are the most powerful source of magic. Your words have the ability to create beautiful tales. When you have the right words, the magic of your imagination will do the rest. Just believe in your words.’
I chuckled now at the memory and glanced at Kaki. ‘This book was always blank, wasn’t it Kaki?’
A sad smile lit Kaki’s face. ‘Yes, it was. Your Granny was illiterate.’
Today, I am a published author and I owe it all to the ‘magic of imagination’ that Granny inculcated in me.
Author’s note: Kaki – term of endearment that means ‘aunty’.
Image source: Unsplash
Sonal is a multiple award winning blogger and writer and the founder of a women-centric manpower search firm - www.rianplacements.com. Her first book, a volume of poetry - Islands in the stream - is slated read more...
Women's Web is an open platform that publishes a diversity of views, individual posts do not necessarily represent the platform's views and opinions at all times.
Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!
Menopause is a reality in women's lives, so Indian workplaces need to gear up and address women's menopausal needs.
Picture this: A seasoned executive at the peak of her career suddenly grapples with hot flashes and sleep disturbances during important meetings. She also battles mood swings and cognitive changes, affecting her productivity and confidence. Eventually, she resigns from her job.
Fiction? Not really. The scenario above is a reality many women face as they navigate menopause while meeting their work responsibilities.
Menopause is the time when a woman stops menstruating. This natural condition marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The transition brings unique physical, emotional, and psychological changes for women.
Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia.
It is amazing when a person turns personal adversity into a calling, and extends empathy to make a significant impact in the lives of other people. This has been the life’s journey of Dr Nalini Parthasarathi.
April 17 is World Hemophilia Day. Dr Nalini Parthasarathi, 79, based in Puducherry has dedicated 30 years of her life caring for people suffering from hemophilia. She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023.
Hemophilia is a condition where one or more clotting factor is absent leading to bleeding. Severe cases can be life-threatening.
Please enter your email address