Padma had a lovely family to boost around. Her son had graduated recently and her husband is a Manager at a commercial Bank, peaceful life, lovely son ever responding husband….what else she needs?? Now she had one more reason to smile Her only son – Varada is been admitted to the University of Wales, London…for his PG.WOW..What a great news to share…….
Anju mamai are u at home ?oh my god how did I miss you. Padma hurried up to her kitchen window and shared the news. Anju , Komalam, shantha and Padma shared a beautiful apartment in the midst of the Madurai City…….They would often meet at the terrace to discuss the daily issues, personal grieviences, share market,Vegetable list, petrol hike, budgets …!!!! What not was in their list….. Though the four apportioned valuable friendship it was padma who would always steal the show
As she neither had grief or rules to make around…..She was the happiest person enjoying the life to the fullest and the most disregarded attitude of her was the self praising ……..it was either herself or about her family. Srinivasan Padma’s husband, her son Varda had been tired telling her to stop this quality of her which she acclaims to be called the SPECIAL.
Anju, shall we all meet at 4.00 pm today ? asked padma, she wanted the entire apartment to know about her son’s admission. Oh sure ....no issues replied anju with full cheer.
It was almost a week by then Padma couldn’t attend the usual meetings at the terrace
As she was very busy packing things for her son. Varada always had a special attention from his mother. She cajoles him for all the simple things too… parupu podi, Kothamali
Podi vechi irukean da…..kandipa sapudu….odamba pathukhu….saying this she cried aloud at the airport …….to see him off was the most unenviable thing in the world.of course, to all the mothers …
6 months went unnoticed, padma was at cloud nine. She was happy for her son, varada called her often . Even though the other three were busy, padma tried to meet them at their place to convey her son’s well being ? what a creature is this women ? Irritated shanta said to anju….she knows that iam busy .still she came in to boost abour her son !!!.......yes said everyone in chorus. We should stop listening to all these clichés anymore. None of this bothered padma. She carried on the routine.
After a few weeks , it was a rainy Sunday and padma was able to join the meetings as there was no pending chores at home. Padma how is varada? Did he call you? Is the place very expensive ? there were Arrows araising from all the other three. Hmmmm…..irukaan, varam oru vaati phone Panrann…Yes he is fine, calls home once a week………she couldn’t control herself Anju maami, komalam and shantha witnessed padma crying for the first time. Hey what happened padma ? Are u ok? Everyone was worried.
Padma stopped her sobbing and started to reveal the liking that her son varada had developed for his class mate…….. MICHELLE ………an Australian native.
Is that true??……..we couldn’t really believe this……padma what a wonderful
Life you had , you shouldn’t have sent your son abroad. Came the remarks…..
Padma was silent…..she could not reply them back. What will I do maami? Iam helpless It’s his life and he is the best one to decide. And now he has decided and we have to admit. All my fate………Padma was restless for the rest of the weeks.She concealed from talking to varada, Srinivasan was surprised…..he tried his best to convince her , but everything fell in deaf ears…….She could hardly imagine a foreign lady to be her Daughter in law. Oh My god……what happened to this varada….??......They had a answer…..In December the following year varada had brought Michelle to his home. Padma was dismayed…She never imagined this to happen so soon.
Amma, why don’t you talk to her? She is from a reputed family. You will like her for sure.Padma felt very uncomfortable at her very own home. It was Pizzas , Burgers and Pasta’a all around . All this was sure enough to make padma MAD. Varada had planned the vacation for a solid 30 days. He thought that this would be more enough to fix it up …….YES ……the day had arrived Padma made up and agreed .Now Michelle was at kitchen helping Padma to prepare more kali .Varada’s all time favorite. Varada felt himself to be blessed to have padma as his MOM.
The Engagement took place at Varada’s home in a very simple style. Michelle had her maternal uncle as she had lost her parents long before. Padma and srinivasan had invited only the most important people in the family…….
Padma was busy again packing for her son and her DIL…..with much happy heart this time. Parupu podi, Karuvepillai podi ellem irukhu da……Misiya sapuda sollu….MISI
This is how she would address Michelle. She cried this time too, but for both of them
Anju maami, Are u at home? Do u know MISI is taking too much care on varada, she
Is an ideal gift for my Son….She could chant slokams too !! Aah I forgot to tell you she prepares more kali better than me ……and the list was upholding. Srinivasan called his son to share padma’s concern For her DIL….Your Amma is still the same da…..she started again…..and do u know kanna, this time it is not you….its MICHELLE………
Mothers have always been the same…..
A father may turn his back on his child; brothers and sisters may become inveterate enemies; husbands may desert their wives and wives their husbands. But a mother's love endures through all; in good repute, in bad repute, in the face of the world's condemnation, a mother still loves on, and still hopes that her child may turn from his evil ways, and repent; still she remembers the infant smiles that once filled her bosom with rapture, the merry laugh, the joyful shout of his childhood, the opening promise of his youth; and she can never be brought to think him all unworthy.
WashingtonIrving