Cuckoo
From the moment I set my eyes on you I have never stopped wondering! You continue to be enchanting my dearest Cuckoo. I got so used to you in the nine months that you were inside me. The interactions that we had (I still remember the DinnerCall in the 6th month;-), when after a long day I was lazy to go and feed myself in the evening. You did not see it fit to be left hungry and made your stance clear with that solid kick that got me right on to my feet, fatigue and laziness all forgotten) made me get to know you much before I saw your face.
And then came the day of your arrival. I vividly recollect the first two sleepless nights.....I was too enamored to lose even a moment with you. Does this happen to every mother? Do they keep gazing for hours on end at their new born with eyes wide open?? We sealed our pact on those nights.....You and I would stick on.
The first one year was eventful with so many regular mile stones.....your first turning - over, the auto rickshaw crawl on three limbs which always had all of us in splits, your first tooth and its impacts on all around, the first word and that too in Malayalam, the only time you showed an inkling of recognition towards your mama’s penchant for the language. Your love for the word was to grow and the dexterity with which you handle the complicated English structure and grammar has amazed all who got to hear you communicate. The Queen herself would have been so proud if she had had an audience :)
Then came the first step...... All set to go! With the two tiny feet firmly set on ground, you sure did your bit of exploring, wandering off on your own and getting lost in your own world of thoughts and friends (I am still waiting to meet Nikita). And yet, once the wanderlust was quenched and you were homeward bound, your undying loyalty for home and mama always shone through. I even made up a couplet for you…”When the sun goes down and the moon comes up, mama will give you maama (food)”
Affectionately named my ‘accessory’ I cannot remember of many instances where I have been on my own without you. Right from mundane bank and doctor’s visits to something as ‘grown up’ as book club meets and dance classes, we have kept each other company. I never fell short of instant attention; thanks to your chatter and chirpiness.
Friends, admirers… you have plenty; and you have trained yourself well to handle adulation in its stride. Doting grans, drooling aunts, appreciative and eager - to - please friends….at times I find it impossible to believe that you can manage them so well, so young. No one feels lost or unwanted in your company, but yet you are hardly attached to any of them. The moment they are out of your sight you are back to your life as if there has never been a diversion from your routine. I have seen so many little ones and even older ones whimpering when they see their grandparents/relatives off but you wave them off with a customary hug and a peck on the cheek (if they get lucky).
The enchantment grew with you with every passing year and now at your fifth year you surprise me still by being much in control. Come what may, life is all well as long as you are. A change in regular scenarios, upheavals which might bow many down…none of these are your concerns as long as it doesn’t upset the world that you are in. At the same time when it comes to compassion and perception there is no one who is second to you. While many try making a show of these traits you find them to be a bother to be talked about. There is that element of acute shyness and reserve which makes you keep away from any public display of emotions too. (The way you appeared to be detached when your dear friend Sahana was crying in pain and all of us were trying to help... I later spied you stroking her hair and cuddling up to her, the moment she was left alone and fell asleep) You have been a miracle for me right from the time of your conception within my womb to this very moment where I draw so much of my strength from you.
I am blessed to be your mother
And then came the day of your arrival. I vividly recollect the first two sleepless nights.....I was too enamored to lose even a moment with you. Does this happen to every mother? Do they keep gazing for hours on end at their new born with eyes wide open?? We sealed our pact on those nights.....You and I would stick on.
The first one year was eventful with so many regular mile stones.....your first turning - over, the auto rickshaw crawl on three limbs which always had all of us in splits, your first tooth and its impacts on all around, the first word and that too in Malayalam, the only time you showed an inkling of recognition towards your mama’s penchant for the language. Your love for the word was to grow and the dexterity with which you handle the complicated English structure and grammar has amazed all who got to hear you communicate. The Queen herself would have been so proud if she had had an audience :)
Then came the first step...... All set to go! With the two tiny feet firmly set on ground, you sure did your bit of exploring, wandering off on your own and getting lost in your own world of thoughts and friends (I am still waiting to meet Nikita). And yet, once the wanderlust was quenched and you were homeward bound, your undying loyalty for home and mama always shone through. I even made up a couplet for you…”When the sun goes down and the moon comes up, mama will give you maama (food)”
Affectionately named my ‘accessory’ I cannot remember of many instances where I have been on my own without you. Right from mundane bank and doctor’s visits to something as ‘grown up’ as book club meets and dance classes, we have kept each other company. I never fell short of instant attention; thanks to your chatter and chirpiness.
Friends, admirers… you have plenty; and you have trained yourself well to handle adulation in its stride. Doting grans, drooling aunts, appreciative and eager - to - please friends….at times I find it impossible to believe that you can manage them so well, so young. No one feels lost or unwanted in your company, but yet you are hardly attached to any of them. The moment they are out of your sight you are back to your life as if there has never been a diversion from your routine. I have seen so many little ones and even older ones whimpering when they see their grandparents/relatives off but you wave them off with a customary hug and a peck on the cheek (if they get lucky).
The enchantment grew with you with every passing year and now at your fifth year you surprise me still by being much in control. Come what may, life is all well as long as you are. A change in regular scenarios, upheavals which might bow many down…none of these are your concerns as long as it doesn’t upset the world that you are in. At the same time when it comes to compassion and perception there is no one who is second to you. While many try making a show of these traits you find them to be a bother to be talked about. There is that element of acute shyness and reserve which makes you keep away from any public display of emotions too. (The way you appeared to be detached when your dear friend Sahana was crying in pain and all of us were trying to help... I later spied you stroking her hair and cuddling up to her, the moment she was left alone and fell asleep) You have been a miracle for me right from the time of your conception within my womb to this very moment where I draw so much of my strength from you.
I am blessed to be your mother
Comments
Cuckoo is ur strongest and best ornament ever...reading this brought back an interview with Audrey Hepburn when she was once mugged and rid off her famous jewellery......all she said was she had her kids who when they hug her feel like all the jewels in the world........this article had such an impact on me, i was 5 and ma told me this story.....
Asha
What a line!..only a mother with passion for words could have written it...I was moved to tears.