My dear aunty

I am still trying to cope with the thought of losing you Haseena Aunty. I was able to visit and spend time with everyone except you & mama, on my visit last year. If I had known that I won’t see you anymore or hug you is 💔 and still hurting. If I had any inclination, I would have dropped everything to come and see you at the time.

I remember seeing you when you came into the family… the memories are fresh. I remember running around with my cousins trying to take a peek at you and learning a new Mami has been added to the family tree. I cherish the memories spent with you at Elamanchili during my school hols or the family re unions we had at maternal grandparents place .. and the last couple of re unions we had on our trips to Kerala, the US .. they are very memorable. You had become a child yourself , sitting on the swing with Mama… our singing during the travels…singing old songs with you and the beach walks and boat rides in Kerala .. Cooking a storm in the kitchens at Nanijaan’s place or your home, sitting on the floor with all the family and eating food together. I am glad that you married mama and came into his life. You are perfectly suited to him… had a calming effect on him, and you have been a great teacher to the family , your children, your nieces and nephews, your students, you always wished them all well in their lives and did so much for your children and family until your last breath.

I recall your sweet voice calling me “Imantu” lovingly while chatting or to give me some work or advice. As kids, if we fall into mischief like all adults, you would scold us… but your tone NEVER made us fear you as you ALWAYS had your sweet smile while scolding us. I am going to miss seeing your face and that smile visiting family or while having re unions back home….but cherish the memories we created and looking at the pics I have of you from our re unions.

You are one strong woman overcoming one adversary after another and hurdles, standing tall overcoming the struggles life had given you. You have been a great mentor to me, seeing you and learning from you along with others. I try to live by the inputs you had given me during my numerous visits and meet ups these past decades. I realise you were in tremendous pain these past few months but still carried the warrior attitude with a smile, but glad that you don’t have to bear that pain anymore and are at peace. Glad that your family was there holding you, hugging you when you went into deep sleep.

Remembering you will be looking down at us with your sweet smile and blessing your children and guiding them as you always did. Rest in peace my dear Haseena aunty… until we meet again.

Much love, Imana.