Mother

 At 6, Durga puja was all about going out with Maa. She would hanker after her mother the whole day, holding her aanchal , curiously enquiring when she would take her out. Completing her sondhya puja, Maa would get her  dressed up. Two ponytails,  a brand new skirt-blouse and a pair of fancy shoes. The rest of the evening merrily passed hugging onto her mother’s lap and watching the idols sleepy eyed. She was indulged in dollops of ice cream and chips for the rest of the evening. 

At 16, Durga puja was all about hanging out with friends. Days and evenings were carefully planned beforehand the arrival of the Goddess. Outfits were carefully picked up with all endeavos to look her best. And as Maa asked her to accompany them on the family outing one evening during the puja, she shrugged it off. She didn’t appreciate the idea and rebelled  her way out  to be in the company of her friends. Friends, were more important to her than her family. She didn’t want to be mocked at by her friends.

At 26, Durga puja was all about going out with her husband. Newly married,  she was very excited about the new phase of life and wanted to  spend these beautiful days  in the company of her love. Engaging in some  quality time, which otherwise their busy schedules didn’t offer. She had been looking forward to these festivities with butterflies in her stomach. It was a quest for a new beginning. 

At 36, Durga puja was spent in the mirth with her children. Spirits high, she hopped away pandals with her little ones . Looking at their happy faces wipe out all her home made delicacies made her heart flutter with joy. These days were exhausting but the happiness at the end of the day made her tired soul heal. 

At 46, she had lost her enthusiasm towards the festivities.  Her children preferred hanging out with their friends  and her husband was loaded with work and had no time to spare for her. She felt lonely amidst all the crowd. 

Finally she realized how her mother must have felt all these years. They were in the same boat, now. Her heart ached as realisation dawned on her. 

Without delay, she left for her maternal home.  Reaching their, she hugged her Mother tight as tears evaporated from her kajal laden  eyes. She whispered on to her mother’s ears “ Cholo Maa, thakur dekhe asi". And at that very moment her mother’s face lit up into a big smile. Because for the Mother , Durga Puja was still all about the happiness of her daughter.

(Publishing unpublished drafts. In draft since 24 November 2020)