I would search for her as a kid, after waking up early morning but she would be gone for the office and then I would get to see her only in the evenings. The hectic schedule apart, she would come home and serve hot meals for the entire family and there was no respite from that chore even on holidays. In other words, she was a 24/7 working business model even before the BPOs came into existence. A dedicated ‘project manager’ of my time, she balanced her office, her domestic errands and our school work so brilliantly that the results were there for the rest of the world to see. Without any doubt, she is the most respected woman in the society for bringing up a cultured family by imbibing good thoughts and standing up bravely to the challenges thrown at her by life.
The day has finally dawned when she will be hassled by the endless rush hour of Mumbai locals for one last time. For after 30+ years of the daily grind and nurturing her family no less like a God, my momma will be retiring from active service, this day.