My PG Aunty
That was my first impression of her. It was late July. She opened the door to two young girls not knowing what to expect, wearing a sweater and a scarf over her housecoat. She had a cold. A bright smile, and a slightly hoarse voice. We inspected the PG with the bright blue dining table and felt at home immediately. V Aunty was to to be a part of my life for a long time since I moved into the PG. I remember Auds and me were desperately looking for a PG acco, whilst staying at our respective local guardian's. So, when a senior's father showed us the place, we moved in quickly.
Aunty needed the company as much as the income. She had been a caretaker for her invalid mother for many years. She chose to remain unmarried, because the love of her life could not be convinced to move in with her and her invalid mother. Her life seemed to have been full of struggles. Her brothers were estranged because they had not wanted to take care of their mother but at the same time resented her being given the house. But Aunty continued with her life on the strength of her values and principles and positive outlook, inspite of all the negativity.
We were two in the PG to begin with. Our room had soothing green wall-paper. I can only remember wanting to come back and sleep in my own bed in the PG - the ultimate feeling of being home. We slowly transgressed the formal relationsip from student-tenants to a more friendly and open one. When she caught us one day struggling to heat milk for coffee with a mini-immersion rod, we were invited to use the kitchen. Soon she knew all about us and our families, even learnt our individual quirks, preferences and talking to her was so easy, never a confidence betrayed.
She would make food for us sometimes when we were too caught up in our studies and deadlines and we would include her share in any take-away or home delivery. Latenight movies with Aunty became a norm and even when there were four of us eventually in the PG, it was a companiable stay. She had a way of making each one us feel special. All my friends envied me my PG.
Aunty touched many people's lives, not just us girls staying there. Our friends were most welcome to drop in, yes even the boyfriends. She had taken over the education of the maid's son and was strict to see he did not squander the opportunity. She was the counsellor for a troubled marriage for a young couple and was a confidante for the lady and very much invested in her children. She was also a part of our engagements and weddings and home-warming ceremonies. My regret is losing touch with her later on, and when I heard she had passed away with cancer, it was just too late.
There must be 8 to 10 of us all who have stayed with her and we all would unhesitatingly vouch for the home she provided us with away from home, sharing our joys and tears and being a pillar of strength to us. Gratitude and admiration - two of the most intense emotions I have for her.
Cross-posted for IndianMomsConnect here
Here's another post I've done on Aunty more than a year ago. IMO, the old one is better written:)
Aunty needed the company as much as the income. She had been a caretaker for her invalid mother for many years. She chose to remain unmarried, because the love of her life could not be convinced to move in with her and her invalid mother. Her life seemed to have been full of struggles. Her brothers were estranged because they had not wanted to take care of their mother but at the same time resented her being given the house. But Aunty continued with her life on the strength of her values and principles and positive outlook, inspite of all the negativity.
We were two in the PG to begin with. Our room had soothing green wall-paper. I can only remember wanting to come back and sleep in my own bed in the PG - the ultimate feeling of being home. We slowly transgressed the formal relationsip from student-tenants to a more friendly and open one. When she caught us one day struggling to heat milk for coffee with a mini-immersion rod, we were invited to use the kitchen. Soon she knew all about us and our families, even learnt our individual quirks, preferences and talking to her was so easy, never a confidence betrayed.
She would make food for us sometimes when we were too caught up in our studies and deadlines and we would include her share in any take-away or home delivery. Latenight movies with Aunty became a norm and even when there were four of us eventually in the PG, it was a companiable stay. She had a way of making each one us feel special. All my friends envied me my PG.
Aunty touched many people's lives, not just us girls staying there. Our friends were most welcome to drop in, yes even the boyfriends. She had taken over the education of the maid's son and was strict to see he did not squander the opportunity. She was the counsellor for a troubled marriage for a young couple and was a confidante for the lady and very much invested in her children. She was also a part of our engagements and weddings and home-warming ceremonies. My regret is losing touch with her later on, and when I heard she had passed away with cancer, it was just too late.
There must be 8 to 10 of us all who have stayed with her and we all would unhesitatingly vouch for the home she provided us with away from home, sharing our joys and tears and being a pillar of strength to us. Gratitude and admiration - two of the most intense emotions I have for her.
Cross-posted for IndianMomsConnect here
Here's another post I've done on Aunty more than a year ago. IMO, the old one is better written:)
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Such people are the backbone of society...
ReplyDeleteShe was beyond words, a very unique person.
DeleteYou were really fortunate to have such a person in your acquaintance ... These days people like your PG aunt are very rare
ReplyDeleteAgree Rajrupa, I was very lucky and no, such people are hard to find.
DeleteYeah, there is one such in all our lives..who have touched us and moved on.
ReplyDeleteJust one thing wasn't clear - was she your land lady during your PG days? Or was she PG aunty because she was a postgraduate?
Oh, I think I did not write very clearly, she was our P(aying) G(uest) Aunty, whilst we did our PG, but that's co-incidental.
DeleteSome people touch a lot of people's lives.. I remember your other post about your PG auntie. She did leave a deep mark on you..
ReplyDeleteYes, ZM, such people are blessed to positively influence others' lives. I feel v. bad I did not keep in touch with her.
DeleteWhat an inspiring personality. To have given up so much in life for the sake of her mother. Very heart warming.
ReplyDeleteThe brothers refused to take care of the mother and still wanted the house!! I sometimes wonder if the human race is declining in being 'human' with time ..
Kudos to you for writing this post. You are very fortunate to have known someone like aunty.
Yes Aarthy, she was very inspiring. And regarding the brothers, I think there are a lot of people like that, wanting without being ready to give. This is one reason why all women should be financially independent and able to take care of themselves.
DeleteI had the good fortune of staying in a PG during my MBA. I stayed with an old lady who was warm and loving. She treated me like her own. Such people really fill your life with amazing memories.
ReplyDeleteThat must be nice, Rachna. Glad you had a positive experience and great memories of your landlady.
Delete