February 04, 2017: July was the month I shifted to my current accommodation in Hyderabad. I have still to learn about people residing in this 55 apartment building. I see mothers with their children gathered downstairs at late evening, but with God’s grace, as he makes home in time, we like to spend time within us. I smile and nod when I get to see them here and there but still don’t know their names. A part of me tells me that they know me more than I know about them.
Forward to current scenario. Shahzeel(my husband) has been super busy this week and today he was supposed to come in at 10PM. I made an attempt to take Mysha(my 2.5 year old girl) downstairs as a child her age will not spend much time at home, looking at just one face.
As I entered the radar of social circle of mothers, there were talks I could sense but not listen. I was a newbie. Anyhow I did what I was there for. I told Mysha to go and play with other kids. She refused and sat next to me holding her ball tight.
Then a friendly hand came towards me with “Hi! I am Ankita.”
“Saumya”, I smiled and gave my hand in hers.
“Suna aap UP se hai“, she sat close to me.
“Yes. Aap?”
“MP” she said somewhat excited.
“Awesome! I miss talking in hindi to someone. Shoot!” I realized that I have delivered a sentence in English again and switched, “Hindi mein baat karna acha laga.” We giggled.
It was two states meeting their soul language – Hindi.
“Come I will introduce her to others kids.”, she said.
Ankita called those sweat ridden children and they all shook their hands with Mysha and left.
As she stood up to leave she said, “Bye Saumya. Keep coming downstairs with your little one. She will mix with other kids and will not feel the need to hold on to you.”
“Yeah, I think I should…for her.” I felt warm with her hospitality.
“Great. Bye.”, she said again and waved to my girl, “Bye Aisha”
“Mysha.” I smiled. “M as in mango”, I checked politely.
“Oh okay. Wohi main sochu. Aisha toh vaisa naam hai na.” she paused and I knew what word she fought to say.
“Vaisa na..muslim types.” she completed in a condescending tone.
I gave a smile as the balance in the world had been restored.
A part of me wanted to embarrass her right away, “Yeah. Meet my daughter – Mysha Jawed” but that won’t be fun.
I am waiting for the next meet. Who knew hanging out with mothers can be so much fun?
I can’t label what I felt at that hour. I am used to it by now and I feel no need to explain.The whole ideology is very plain to explain which children will get, adults won’t!
We all are objecting a President of a super nation for his certain ban but have we uplifted that ban from our head and heart?
I learn each day and these acts make me realize how different my life is from others. Who needs a boring life anyway? Its only these kind of conversation(s) which makes you learned. They won’t learn, so you start to – on both ends.
I had to share. Just had to!!
