I have been hitting my head hard on how to start this... this should not be difficult... it is the most simple topic... its almost like an open book exam!!! Or maybe, that’s’ the problem... I know way too much that I don't know where to start!
A smile and a soft voice that woke me every morning and when I did not get up it was his hand yero (going up) plane & yenrego (going down) plane that would tickle me out of the bed either ways I woke up with a smile. The most adorable people... the two people who are responsible for the existence of my bro & me... My Amma and Appa...
When they looked into each others eyes one could feel the love that they had... it was like 'love was in the air' around them. There was so much of it with them that they showered it on everyone they knew and that is what made them so special. We are really happy to get the share of love from them (a big share!) Even in the most difficult situations they would smile & make us smile with them. I hardly remember a time when I asked for something and it was not given... except when I wanted to go out & play during my exams & I was not allowed to!!!
Amma, she was this person who could transform to whatever age she wants... everyone could relate to her & she could relate to everyone. Her cooking was just as amazing as she was! She would play with us... tell us stories... teach us how to fight a bully... make us study... take care of every need that we ever had. She was one of the friendliest people, you could find.
She would ensure that all our demands… either spoken or unspoken were always met. Everything, especially food items would be there as soon as we asked for it… if we asked for it in the morning it would be on the table when we come back from school. She hated the fact that we had to visit our neighbor’s place to watch TV and made sure that there was a TV at our place soon.
Even now, I can faintly hear her recite 'narayaneeyam' every evening. She didn't have to make special efforts to make us feel special... it came naturally to her! A comforting smile and a warm hug from her made us feel so special.... I crave for that warmth sometimes! She was one of the friendliest and enterprising people I have ever known. In spite of her ill health & the bad financial condition at home she would face the world with a big broad smile and a courageous heart... She is my idol!
Appa, he was a gem... a person who would scold us and then later sit & explain why we got punished and what did we do wrong. He reasoned that if we knew what we did wrong we would do it again and, it worked! In spite of all the traveling & touring he would make sure that we are taken to the park or some place for us to enjoy... btw he was the same guy who took me for a picnic one day and once we finished the food in the basket… which was within 45 mins of reaching the park… we were back home!
He was and is my best friend... he knew everything possible about me... how... I told him... I never felt odd talking to him about anything... he had given us so much space and his efforts were always to make us more & more strong and independent! It was always his shoulder I used to cry my heart out... he would never ask me to stop crying but wait patiently stroking my head now & then indicating his presence & that was his way of consoling!
He had a logical explanation for everything and he would make sure that we know the reason why we are doing something. Starting from why we got punished at a particular situation to why we should do a particular ritual at a temple & so on! He was an ocean of knowledge... his ideas were always very novel and has pulled me out of issues at almost any situation be it at work or at play!
When I was 4 I used to think that my Appa knew everything and was the strongest man alive even better than Rajnikant or Amitabh Bachchan because he ate a lot of rasam sadam. But now, I have realised that it is not the rasam sadam but he is like that by nature! MY DADDY STRONGEST!!! I am my father's biggest fan!
If it was not for the Big Guy who decided to call them back I could have learnt so much more from them and I could have used a little bit of advice from both of them. We have 3 mothers who have given us loads & loads love and the affection... and made sure that we have become strong individuals but…you know what… I could have used two more parents... We don’t really mind being more pampered!
In the mean while, I have another plan... so what if the Big Guy played his trick... I am going to get few people who were close to them to tell me more about them so that I can know them better from other's eyes... With their charming personality & loveable nature it is very difficult for people not to get influenced by them!
This write up is a prelude for the blog that my brother and I want to launch for our parents (all 5 of them) & our family. I would request all people reading this to help with ideas, thoughts, pictures (if any), incident, anything!!!
Thank you!
