Page 73 - Govind 70th Birthday Book

Chhote nana has reminds me of a tall cedar (cedrus deodar), tall boughs creating a gentle shade. As a kid, he always seemed enormously tall and quiet. And over time, I started to enjoy watching a wry smile cross his face at some antic or the other from Nantu mama or one of the bhaiyas. My favourite occurrence of that wry smile is when I pull his leg about his terrible choice of university. I remember telling him that I was going to Oxford, and him ribbing me gently but with a quiet pride and caring. There’s just a feeling of “nana’s here, it’ll all be ok” that he manages to give, and without any noise or fanfare. It shows up in small moments, and tiny gestures, but these always make me feel loved and safe. I hope I too will learn to make people feel this way; it’s really powerful!
inavihS