My Nani

Unconditional love, a distrust for cocktails and a penchant for photography; this is what my Nani gave me.

I have known no love like the love, adoration, and affection my Nani showed me. No achievement, and likewise, no mistake I made, changed the love my Nani showed me. It is such a privilege to have been shown this type of love, and to have had such a warm and selfless Nani for this long.

My family would come together because of her. The first day of any trip to Delhi guaranteed a lunch at Nani's. We would all arrive by 11 in the morning, as per Nani's instructions of course. By this time, her house would have been cleaned, she would have showered, gotten dressed in her signature animal-print clothes, applied her scarlet red lipstick, and would be seated in her room waiting. As kids, and even as adults, we were in awe of our Nani. She exemplified elegance, and glamour. Her lipstick neither smudged nor was reapplied during the day. It remained as vibrant and enchanting throughout the day.

I admire her for her strength, and her commitment to herself, especially as a dialysis patient. Even in the darkest, the coldest of mornings, my Nani would make her way for her treatment every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In her last few years, she had to give up a lot of what she loved as per her treatment. Yet, she found a way to keep going, fighting, in spite of the challenges she faced. She persevered, and she carried herself strong; for us. And now, she is finally at peace. I love her too much to have wanted her to continue living a life in which she felt pain, and unhappiness. My Nani deserves all the happiness, all the love and all the freedom. Just as she gave me unconditional love, I wish only that for her. Her grace, her beauty, her kindness, and her legacy will stay, and I can only hope I can carry it forward. Thank you, Nani.