Grandmothers are generally responsible to hold the whole family together in one thread.
I am the eldest of her 5 grandchildren.
My paati (mom’s mom) whom I fondly called paapi instead of paati as I couldn’t say “ta” as a baby.
Its strange but all my cousins and friends also called her paapi 😊.
Words can’t describe how deep her absence is felt.
She was an avid reader and also had an elephants memory.She would patiently sit down and note down recipes from the magazines.
She has been responsible for our happiest childhood memories.Have never heard her say “I am tired”,even once.She was always on her toes to make the best of snacks and coffee for all who came home.
Nobody leaves her house without having her famous filter coffee.Kitchen was never closed like we have it with our generation-it’s weekend and kitchen is closed.
That generation was different how much ever we try we cant match their energy.
I was lucky enough to learn a lot of our delicacies from her.Every Mumbai visit I would nag her to teach me something new.She was also very good with home remedies for kids.
Our generation and the next were lucky to have the home made baby food prepared by her 😊.
Sambar powder,Dosa powder,Pickles and traditional fryums (karuvadam) were all patiently made yearly and packed for us to carry.
Every Mumbai visit was like Diwali for us – all savouries and sweets would be prepared before we reached.She never wanted us to miss on anything.She also knew very well about all our favorite dishes.
She makes the best rava ladoo,besan ladoo,mysore pak,kalakand (tertipaal)..all sweets 😊.. how can I miss mentioning her chole bature 😊.Her baturas (fluffy,deep fried Indian bread) were a hit always.
Our paapi has never shown any fuss to try any new food or cuisine.She loved Chinese food and maggi.Her favorite was the kulfi (traditional Indian ice cream) from the hand cart guy 😊 near our house (Datta Mandir).
People who were close to her knew that she loved collecting plastic bags and was never happy parting with them or sharing 😬😊.
I still remember the days when I have been unwell she would sit besides me and wait for me to fall asleep.
We did have our share of fun and disagreements but I never thought it would end so soon.She has been a strong pillar of support to us after we lost our father.
My kids fondly call her Big Paati.
Paapi has left us with a heartache no one can heal
but her love leaves a memory no one can steal.
We do find comfort that our lives have been enriched by having shared her love.
We will always love you and miss you.
May your soul Rest In Peace 🙏.
A small tribute from me to her♥️
Blessmesai 