I was in 1st or 2nd standard, and it was my first participation in the school’s sports meet. We were to reach the stadium in the evening. You asked me to sleep for a while so that I would be refreshed. I dictated a long list of items I wanted as an incentive to sleep, including a ‘can’ of Pepsi, which was a fairly fancy item in those days. My thinking was that you would surely be unable to fulfill my demands and would refuse. But you didn’t, Mumma, and you agreed without a hiccup.
Next, when I woke up, I asked you if you had bought all the things I wanted, and you said yes. I was so surprised, Mumma, and I also felt a bit guilty for being so unreasonable in my demands when I was quite certain that you would struggle to buy all those things.
When I think in retrospect of all those times when you sacrificed for me to get me the education and the life you thought I deserved, my head just hangs in shame, Mumma. I wish I could have been the child to you that you were to Nana. I can’t say more, Mumma, but you know all my shortcomings, although you always pulled me up. Thank you, Mumma.
