Dear VidyaKa –
I am really sorry for not
talking to you post the mishap. I have no clue of how to start a conversation
when such things happen to our loved ones. Please bear with me. I just thought
to pen down what I feel about Moorthy Mama.
My first meeting with him of
course dates back to our childhood days. They were indeed wonderful and
carefree. I have a clear memory of your home at Kanpur. The frequent visits,
the night stays and many other lovely moments. I tasted Boost for the first
time at your home. It was then that I started having it on a regular basis. You guys shifted to Ghaziabad and the strings
got detached to a certain extent. Post that, I had never been to your home
until Jan 2011 I suppose. It was Magara Jyothi, and your father, being an
ardent devotee of Ayyappa, was watching it live on Asianet.
I had a lot of
preconceived notions before visiting your home at Madipakkam. Was not too comfortable.
I had a felt that meeting Moorthy mama and Geetha mami would just be like any
other formal home visit. Appa had assured me that I will feel at home once I
get in. This is what literally happened.
Moorthy mama gave me a BIG WARM Hug which is his forte. The
Jaadu Ki CHappi so to say. Within a few mins, we started talking as if I
have been visiting them for years. I truly felt at home Akka. I have been a
very sensitive and a homely person right from my childhood. For me, to meet a
couple of my parents’ age who could make you feel warm was a great thing. We
talked for hours, had a delicious lunch of Vengaya Sambar, Podimas along
with PAppadam. My God. It was so amazing to be there.
I felt concerned with the way he was walking due to the
knee issues. In spite of that, he made sure to come and pick me up from
Madipakkam bus stand and escorted me home. It was delightful. His optimism had
no bounds. One could never be gloomy or low when he is around. He had that
charm. I would feel in awe of him when we talked about old incidents that took
place during his stay in North India. The tight friendships and closely-knit
family circles he had due to his amazing attitude.
Moorthy mama had a great sense of humor which is very
important for a happy life. He did share about his tough times at Chennai
during initial days. How he decided to settle at Chennai to take care of your Paati.
In spite of being this man, he resembled a child when we discussed about your
Paati. The pure love and affection he had for his mom was so visible with the
words he used. He was a man with GREAT HEART. I have NEVER seen a person who
could help others without a second thought. There have been times when he got
into trouble as well. But you know what, it does not matter. People of this
kind never have any guilt in their minds. They are mentally free. It was always
soothing to visit your home and have conversations over cups of Tea and snacks.
I really felt him as my father. Believe me. It’s great for a person to make
others feel that warm.
The main reason for taking a flat on rent nearby was that
my parents could have their company. They came to stay in Chennai on Jan 26
2012. Moorthy mama and I took a cab from Amman Travels [They had their office
near your house] and started at 6 or 7 AM in the morning. We had come to
Railway station to pick up my parents. I had made all arrangements in my rented
apartment before that. He was the one who got me the house as well. We went to a
nearby store for buying basic utensils, induction stoves and other domestic
stuffs.
My parents had a great time with Moorthy mama and Geetha
Mami during their short stay at Chennai. You also made a visit to Chennai
during that time. It was fun indeed. Moorthy mama loved Amma’s sense of humor
and the witty jokes that she would crack over the conversations. It was so
funny to see him in fits of laughter till the tears rolled out.
If I am driving a 2-wheeler today, its all because of
Moorthy mama. I have said this N number of times to him and now making the
point again. I never drove a 2-wheeler until then. Had my own inhibitions. One
day suddenly, Moorthy mama asked me to drive his Activa. I was uncomfortable. He
assured me to an extent as if he will balance me out in case I am about to
fall. My God. That positive vibe was amazing. This is something even Appa could
not do to me. He asked me to start the scooter and pushed it forward. That’s
it. I had come to know that I can do it. You might think why I took so many
years to make this move. Unfortunately, I did attempt doing it twice with my
father’s Chetak in the past. Had fallen badly that I din pick it up for these
many years. If I am self-sufficient with
my 2-wheeler today, all thanks to your father.
He knew how to enjoy life to its fullest. I have seen it
with my own eyes. Full of life and full of love for everyone. Appa and Amma
have felt the same all the time. Even if a person is going to commit suicide, if
Moorthy mama is around, he will give him 1 reason to stay alive. That’s his
forte. I have had conversations with him during his stay in the US as well. They
were all over Whatsapp. He always enjoyed the stay with his children. The sightseeing,
the cruise ride, the various poses posted on facebook. All of them have been
amazing to look at.
I feel really bad that he left us early. He is needed by so
many of us who feel peaceful in his company. I know that you have been closest
to him. I also feel that his biggest solace was your presence during his last
days. The vacuum that he has created in your lives, will take time to fill. The
best part in the last few months is that you and Madhu Anna did whatever best
you could for him. Rest is destiny. But what we know is that, if he were to
watch you all from above, he would want his children and wife to be happy. He is truly an example of “Being Human” in
this selfish world. If we all can imbibe even a few drops of his qualities,
life will be a lot more colorful for us.
For a person as lively as
Moorthy mama, I really can’t say the he is no more. He is around us and I am
sure that you will continue to feel his presence during the defining moments of
your life. As I write these lines, believe me, I can hear him in my mind. His
voice is clear. They way he called Appa as “Raadhe”.
Please convey my regards
to your family. As we say, Time is the best healer. May this grief reduce and
transform itself into moments that you cherished with your father. You are
truly fortunate to be born to a father like him. Please take care of yourself as
well as Geetha Mami.
Please do write to me when
you find time.
Lots of Love and Best
Wishes
Shabari.
June 10 2020 – 12:45 AM
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