36/100
It’s the end of a long day that began in Bombay at maybe 4am and now refusing to end in Calcutta, all the way across the breadth of our country even after almost 22 hours . But then I never ever want the days I spend with Poonam and Neel to end , that’s how special the days are and that’s how special they are .
It’s been a hot day here in Calcutta and yes one packed with many things we did together .
As soon as I walked into her gracious apartment this morning in my tights and Kurta Poonam let out a disappointed wail – oh what about the saree pact ? Why are you not wearing a saree …only when I changed into one before leaving the house did she let up with the bullying .
So let’s get the saree out of the way so I can write the saree’s story which you may have just have guessed is going to be Poonam’s story . And Neel’s . And this loving family I am an now an integral part of.
But first the saree …a chiffon in black , green and cream with a woven zari boder that simply falls around you like a cloud filled with soft petals and leaves . Perfect summer all day wear that withstood work , play , dinner and paan after dinner and still looked fresh and cool . Teamed with old faithful Bijouri Blouse and my black onyx danglers I picked up in Pondicherry last year .
So I am in Cal for kicking off Chai for Cancer in the city and staying with Neel ( my patient leader here ) and his lovely wife Poonam – the ultimate caregiver , mother , home maker , hostess , friend all rolled into one.
I had been here at their place exactly a year ago when we celebrated the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Neel’s parents …a beautiful family gathering that I was so honoured to be a part of. And I think beautiful is the one word to describe the Kankani family …that they have made me an honorary member of their loving family is my luck. Sadly in the intervening year Neel’s dear mother passed away and today as I spent time with them , the brothers , their wives , their children and their dear father , it was difficult not to think of the times when Bai’s , as she was lovingly called, smile and beauty radiated and filled all our hearts with joy and love.
Then I look at Poonam . Picking up the pieces after her husband’s diagnosis all those years ago , it was she who held the family together and today I see the same strength of character and determination she showed then when her first born was just a toddler as she goes about making sure all is well and in control once again .
Poonam runs a household that can feed and nurture as many people that may walk in through that welcoming door . Never ending cups of liqueur chai , soft and warm phulkas, mouthwatering daals and a variety of subzi , chutneys and pickles and sweet meats and savouries …for years I have been fed at this table . Today was no different . Like all those times before , we ate a leisurely lunch and as always , as we finished the children came home from school . Looking at them , now all grown up I realise how many years I have known Poonam and how in all these years she hasn’t changed one bit . Her children may grown taller than her but she still is the sweet , calm and unruffled presence that makes her home what it is .
Even now as I write this , I am sipping that last cup of Liquer chai she brewed for me before going to bed herself ..
So Poonam , hope you liked my saree and thank you for a wonderful day …a day that saw us enjoy the beauty of the garden downstairs with it’s summer flowers in bloom and then plan our upcoming Addas with the other wonderful core group volunteers from the city , to going to Neel’s office from where with his brothers he runs their family concern to one last stop for the Paan Calcutta is famous for ..and to sitting and chatting some more at home with more chai….