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Not Just A Saree


The saree is one garment that I never took to effortlessly unlike my mum for whom it is like second skin. 


Memories come gushing and I’m trying to give these myriad of emotions some structure. Always a difficult task but I will try...


Maa’s saree was like a comfort blanket that I’d hold onto while willing sleep to take over me..


Maa’s saree would efficiently absorb hot tears that would make their appearance every so often..


Maa’s saree had smells which were a heady mix of masalas, coffee and flowers. A smell that I still seek out when I’m stressed..


Maa’s saree had a magical palloo that produced sweets and other treats at her beckoning.. 


Maa’s saree had the ability to transform our mundane afternoons into an adventurous cave or a fancy tent..


Maa’s saree would always come to my rescue when playing a game of hide and seek..


Maa’s saree drying in the hot sun would become so crisp that folding it was a fun task in itself..


Maa’s saree lent itself beautifully to a boisterous game of tug of war..


Maa’s saree was my saviour as a shy child, it was my very own invisibility cloak..


Maa’s saree would be used to dry papad, fryams and other yummy food accompaniments on the building’s terrace during hot summer days..


Maa’s saree was my first fancy dress outfit, no prizes for guessing who I was dressed up as..


Maa’s saree doubled up as a soft bedsheet for her newborn children and now her grandchildren..


Today, I stand and stare at Maa’s saree which has taken a place of pride in my wardrobe. It sits there with beatific elan amongst my normal, everyday clothes. Clothes that I wear in a jiffy to help me accomplish my role as a stay at home mum. I truly believe Maa’s saree sends my clothes positive energy. My mum and me maybe 5000 miles apart but merely looking at Maa’s saree melts the distance away. 






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