An ode to every mother and 'grand'mother
“Two Birthdays!!! How can I have two, amma? Is it magic? Does everyone have it? Do chechis have it? I am the only one who has it right? Will I get two gifts? ….“ The 7 year old myself rambled on and on… Amma slid a third crispy dosa, drizzling with ghee, onto my plate. While the rains poured outside , she expertly swirled the ladle of batter on the iron pan. “ Noo monkey. You were born on the 25 th but there was a star shining bright at the same time. So we celebrate when the star appears around the same time as your date of birth. And yes all of us have it.” I understand the plight of my mother who may have tried to explain the astrological point of view nevertheless I didn’t understand a thing but was quick enough to ask “ What's the star called? “ She slid the 4 th dosa onto my plate and stood with her arm on the chair- “Makam” In what we call perfect timing , my green/violet eyed cousin brother (What is the exact colour of his eyes ,...