Malini was my dear friend. She was also the beloved mother of my wife, which makes it even more special, and allows me to coin a new term to define her relationship with me: a mother-in-spirit (m-i-s)!
Born decades ahead of her time, she demonstrated a youthfulness that surpassed that in two generations her junior, and a level of energy that is rare amongst her chronological contemporaries. A keen sense of righteousness, and a readiness to uphold it even at the expense of personal discomfort. A value system whose proof is evident in her progeny.
I treasure her for the openness with which I shared with her anything on my mind, and sought her counsel and involvement in my life. And, her involvement was real - through decisive actions, unambiguous thinking, and fearlessness of the down side.
I may have thus far portrayed her as a principled woman devoid of fun - if so, I have done her great disservice. She was ever-willing to accompany you to movies and art events, embark on long air and road trips, and brave the clock and weather for long walks to stay fit. Mis-steps by her favorite cricket team, or obnoxious characters in soap operas got her animated in excitement, and inept politicians had their role to play in getting her riled up - some when they opened their mouths, and some when they didn't!
Always eager to experiment with culinary delicacies, and share openly the secrets of any preparation, she has left behind a pile of recipes she wrote up and dictated, in addition to stock-piles of preparations frozen for a snowy day.
She came, she saw, she conquered (my heart and mind, among other things), and she left, leaving behind fond memories for everyone who crossed paths with her to celebrate. Cheers!
Born decades ahead of her time, she demonstrated a youthfulness that surpassed that in two generations her junior, and a level of energy that is rare amongst her chronological contemporaries. A keen sense of righteousness, and a readiness to uphold it even at the expense of personal discomfort. A value system whose proof is evident in her progeny.
I treasure her for the openness with which I shared with her anything on my mind, and sought her counsel and involvement in my life. And, her involvement was real - through decisive actions, unambiguous thinking, and fearlessness of the down side.
I may have thus far portrayed her as a principled woman devoid of fun - if so, I have done her great disservice. She was ever-willing to accompany you to movies and art events, embark on long air and road trips, and brave the clock and weather for long walks to stay fit. Mis-steps by her favorite cricket team, or obnoxious characters in soap operas got her animated in excitement, and inept politicians had their role to play in getting her riled up - some when they opened their mouths, and some when they didn't!
Always eager to experiment with culinary delicacies, and share openly the secrets of any preparation, she has left behind a pile of recipes she wrote up and dictated, in addition to stock-piles of preparations frozen for a snowy day.
She came, she saw, she conquered (my heart and mind, among other things), and she left, leaving behind fond memories for everyone who crossed paths with her to celebrate. Cheers!
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