. Oh the things she did. From the first swaddle of love to filling our hearts with it. That fierce tigress who could do anything for her cubs. From homework to making home a haven. Ensuring our colour pencils were always sharpened so we could colour the world in the brightest of shades. The one who just knew what we wanted at lunch. And made us smile at break, our favourite snack neatly packed. And when we came home, a hot surprise. Whether she was at home or working. The one who knew just what we wanted to when. And where. And made it happen. The one who knew just when we went wrong. And where. And taught us how to fix it. The one who made us realize our dreams. And pushed us to conquer them. From every sum in Math to puzzle in GK. From college applications to job placements, she was there for it all. Whether she understood it or not. And the birthday parties. There couldn’t be a better planner in the world. Or a more popular one. She introduced us to books. Many many books. Along with running a perfect home. A tight ship. An argosy of love. Little treats and big ones. She seemed to always have that “little extra” tucked for that odd demand we had. Always delivering to our tiniest whims. Yet ruling our little kingdom with an iron hand. To hell and back she could go for us. Santa, tooth fairy, guardian angel all in one. Omnipresent. And a dramatic Mother India at times. That gentle tuck of a blanket on the nights that got cold. To the sleepless nights she spent when we got sick. She did everything. And the things she did behind your back. Those sacrifices big and small. That you would never know. Taking that jab even from Papa at times. Remember when you watched her get ready. In awe. She was the most beautiful woman in the world. And now she’s older and her skin is translucent. She still smells divine. Still always there. Concerned about that knee injury of mine. Ensuring I have my sweater on, on a cold winter’s day. Asking if I eat my 5 almonds a day. The one who taught me my first word. And everything thereafter. One word. Ma. . Shekhar Kapoor’s, “Masoom”, 1983, National Film Archives of India