My granny (or Aaji as I call her), that is, my mom's mom, cant hear properly from one ear. This is an old problem and cos of that she talks very less. I have always been close to my grandad (or Ajoba as I call him). Discuss stuff with him, listen to all the amazing stories and poems he has up his sleeve.

Aaji is generally seen busy with her own things, cooking, reading. With her, it is always a couple of sessions, only her and me, sitting in isolation and chatting for a while.

This time it was my last visit before leaving for USA. So we sat together on the jhoola in the veranda and talked. She was interested about all the things I will be doing USA, where will I stay and the like. It was quite a normal conversation.

But the day I was leaving, I touched her feet, she applied kumkum on my forehead, and hugged me. Something she has never done, or at least not in recent times. I was overwhelmed !!

Then I went and sat in the auto and they waved me goodbye. Suddenly she ran in again and returned with a small red rose, a new bloom in the garden. I told the auto guy to stop. she came forward, smiled and gave me the rose. I was so so touched. My eyes instantly filled with tears.

I have kept the rose in my personal diary :) Its a precious gift.