Aadi's Sports Corner

Nani’. I might have called out for this name, more than Muma and Papa.

The lady who quite literally, saw me grow in every aspect of life. 

A tiny infant was handed to her in the hospital. Her third grandchild. She broke down into tears. Not because he was the third one, but because he was so tiny that it reminded her of a mouse’s baby. 

She made up her mind that she was going to make this boy grow and gain weight and never should anyone tease him for his small size. 

That boy is me. And people do tease me after all. Not because I am tiny, but I am a good fat and healthy ladka made by my Nani, with all the love she has given me through the food she fed me. 

We all have that one favourite Nani’s dish we look forward to. For me there are plenty, Sira, Masoor, Thepla are just a few to name. 

People always wait for summer vacations to go and spend time with their Nani. For me I have always had a summer vacation, cause Nani was always with me. 

I remember fighting with my cousins for she’s only my Nani. After all these years it has become clear to me that I was wrong. She’s their Nani too, but she’s my Nani first. 

My cousin always tells his paternal grandmother, “You are an amazing cook. But no one can make Sira like my Nani!!!!” 

I have had plenty of fights and arguments with her over the years. But I feel those are the fights that have kept me close to her and simply strengthened our bond.

Just a few days back, I bought a Samosa for my Nani. On handing it to her, the first words were not “Thank You”, but “Did you eat one Beta?”. She has seen everything in life and suffered through a lot, but she still cares for my well-being first. 

I come back from college late. My mother might once forget to ask me about my lunch, but Nani will always look out for me. 

Today is her birthday. She turns 79 years old. All she asks for is “Spend time with me Beta. You can be with others the rest of your life, I don’t have time left.”

So have all the fun with your grandparents and continue loving them for the time they are here with us.