My Ma used to tell me as a child nati natiniyekor proti aaitakor morom tu bor beleg toh.

I never shared that beleg kind of a relationship with my aita. It was only after my 12th standard that I developed that inclination towards her. She genuinely loved and cared for me and guided me whether in person or through the phone. She was honest to the core, had a loving nature, never complained about issues and or grimaced at her troubles. Even while she visited our home, it was only once when I heard her tell me directly, saah ek cup dibi neki? and that too when she was physically incapacitated to pursue ordinary avocations.

She was very particular about being hospitable to people visiting her. Aita always used to buy fish for the helper boys who stayed with her, although she herself turned a complete vegetarian after koka’s death. She was very soft spoken and enduring by nature. She was a silent observer.

She believed in the goodness of humanity and never retracted from it even in the tough phases of life. Though not highly lettered like koka, she was highly educated.

I pray to God, that wherever her soul rests, may she always remain stay good and healthy or in her words xu sasthya, xu mon and xu sakti.

—Sriparna