Namesake

                                                  

   Was watching Kabuliwala today. The kid in the movie is my nick namesake. Mini was not the name given to me by my parents but by our Nanny. She stayed with us for 23 years. My parents called her 'pishi' (aunt) and for me she was 'thakuma' (grandmother). As my mother was a working woman we had her as our guardian all through our childhood. I am sure she had never even heard of Tagore let alone his works. But Mini she did christen me with much love and affection. And I had a fondness to be called that instead of Mitul my official nickname. Gradually I found that every one calls me Mini. Her affection for me was not only limited in naming me but also in pampering me by cooking the food I like for lunch much to the consternation of my siblings, who often were furious for such favouritism. It was a known fact in my family and among other relations that I was being spoiled by her. I remember the comfort and safety i felt in her soft and hoary arms. Some relations remain inexplicable and only those into it understand the dynamics. Kabuliwala today took me down memory lane and I realised being Mini myself was no less:)