Part 1: Joy (Gaumbi)
It’s never easy being a child and seeing everyone around you feeling sad. A part of you doesn’t understand what is happening and a part of you feels upset at the sudden imbalance in your daily routine. Are you supposed to cry as well? Will the sad days ends soon? He was only 10 when the first death happened in his extended family. All he could recall was Maami crying endlessly and Maama comforting her. The same Maami who was always full of drama was crying for real. Gaumbi knew something really big had happened.
A few days later, she came home with a small bundle in her arms. Gaumbi peeked from around the pillar and saw the tiniest baby. The blanket around her was pink so he knew it was a girl. She had her eyes wide open and was looking around her with immense curiosity. He had two baby brothers of his own but for some reason he couldn’t look away from the little angel in front of him. She was something else entirely.
Like every 10 year old, he insisted on holding her every time Maami came to Pandya Niwas. Maami was initially hesitant but she knew he was a responsible young man. It was a matter of pride for Gaumbi that everyone trusted him with not one but three babies. He was a big boy after all.
It was during one of those visits, on a lazy Sunday afternoon that she suddenly looked up at him and giggled softly. Usually he found these sudden chuckles and giggles in babies a bit strange. His brother Shiva would randomly chuckle - actually no - he would laugh, even in the middle of the night, when there was nothing funny happening. It was as if there was a joke Gaumbi didn’t understand. It is unnerving for a 10 year old to not know what on earth is so funny. Or maybe he was up to some mischief in his own baby mind. He did have a strange glint in his eyes almost all the time. Dev on the other hand, would occasionally smile but didn’t laugh nor chuckle as much. He was a quiet baby who just liked to look at the wall most of the time. Sometimes he wondered if one of them was picked up from the nearest trash can. They were so different from each other.
Gaumbi heard another giggle and smiled. He turned his attention to her and looked at the baby in wonder. This didn’t sound strange at all. She giggled again and blinked happily. It was the cutest thing he had ever seen. Gaumbi couldn’t help but laugh along with the little angel. The two laughed together until she stopped and touched his cheek. It was then Gaumbi realized that this baby was family.
Over the years, he saw her grow into a intelligent and kind little girl. She would come to their home and instantly brighten up everyone’s day. Well everyone except for his brother Shiva, who would fuss each time she entered their home. It was as if they were made to be each other’s enemy.
Gaumbi would get her favorite chocolates all the time and she would give him a good luck hug before each of his exams. Even when he was a teen and it was no considered cool to hang out with kids, he would still make it a point to buy those chocolates and make sure she knew he would always be there for her.
After their father’s death and their feud with Maami, a part of him wondered if she would still be a part of their lives. But he should have known that the little girl who laughed with him would be nothing like her Maasi. She still spread the same warmth and happiness everywhere. Of course, her growing obsession with Dev was a bit scary at times. For Gaumbi, she was still the baby he held years ago. However seeing his brother Shiva seethe in anger each time, Gaumbi realized that not much had changed after all.
As more time passed and he fell in love with Dhara, he secretly wished for a daughter. With a smile, he would occasionally remember that afternoon from all those years ago. A part of him longed to hear that infectious giggle all over again and this time have Dhara experience that same unadulterated joy with him while holding their own baby daughter.
TO BE CONTINUED...
A slightly different piece based on a random thought that came to me. There will be three more parts, each from the eyes of a Pandya brother. As usual, please let me know your thoughts! Hope you guys enjoy reading this!
Lots of love,
Esha ❤️
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Geet - Hui Sabse Parayee
