Pinku-Enchanted Life

The bangla word for a relative is aatiyon . What it really means is someone who is close to your aatma, your soul. Someone with whom you feel a sense of solidarity, wholeness. Pishi, my father in law's eldest sister was someone I heard about a lot through stories relayed by my in laws and husband long before I had the chance to meet her in person. I also tasted some of her awesome cooking from the portions she would thoughtfully bring across for her brother whenever she visited. My first introduction to her happened about three years ago, when finally my father in law chose to tell her about my existence. It was a moment which I had both dreaded and anticipated equally. Comparisons, remarks, judgement all of it would have been natural and to be expected. Yet the complete openness and ease with which Pishi met me allayed my misgivings and gave her a special place in my heart, for keeps. My subsequent visits to her place on various occasions only helped streng...

Pim, Pimpum, Chota, Chotkas, Hiya, Kutti, Rini, Rinush, Pumpum, Aarini You answer to all these names. You have the wickedest grin and the cutest smile You can say Byeeee and Hieeee with a glee that’s unmatched You grab me and give a tight hugga that makes my heart burst with joy. Your mimic call to  your Dad "Marrieeeeeee" to rhyme with my Parryieee lights up his day Your curls bother you too much and the sweep of your impatient hand delights us all You give AC a glimpse of the daughter he never had with your cuddling up to him Sanchali wears a bindi just so you will take it away with your lil fingers You bring a smile to your ailing Daddum Even your otherwise silent Thammam always has something to say to you Diddum thinks you are the smartest, naughtiest, cutest, bestest girl on earth Buttercup feels you are the only one around whom she has to be careful You my dear miracle maker are all of this and much much more. Today a...