Day 63. When my dear friend Sreoshi suggested I wear an Indigo sari for the pact, I knew I had to keep her word. But strangely, I don’t own one. Strange because I love blue, and my wardrobe is full of saris and kurtas in every shade of blue but no Indigo.
But then she came to my rescue. My Mami. This is the third one of the four saris she gave me to wear for the pact.
Mami, she’s always been there for me, for Ma, for us. When I was in tears after my Class X results, she was there waiting for me with Ma. When I was giving my Class XII exams, she was there during the breaks. When I went away to Mumbai to study for a year, she was always there with Ma. When I left home the day after my wedding, she was there to take Ma with her. When I was planning a surprise birthday party for Ma on her 60th, she was there conspiring with me. When I was in hospital, she was there to stroke my forehead and flash a reassuring smile just as I was being wheeled away.
Often, when I don’t know who to turn to, I turn to her. And that’s what I did today too.
So, this one’s for you Sreo and for you Mami Madhumoni Dasgupta.
It’s raining hard today. It’s muddy and slushy. And yet I just had to wear a sari today to join you Ally and Anju as you celebrate the journey so far at this evening’s saree date. I might not be there in person (I so wish I was) but I am with you in mind and spirit, in heart and soul. So, this one’s for the both of you too, and for all my fellow pacters.