Nimal made my dream come true

“Amma always dreamt of being independent, but she was married off at 16! After that, she devoted her life to running the house. But she was happy, Appa was a great singer & every evening, they’d go for a walk, singing & holding hands! By 21, Amma had me & my sister, Janani–we were a happy family.

But things turned for the worse after–Appa fell sick; he had a brain tumor. From then on, Amma’s life revolved around Appa. She’d bathe, feed & read the newspaper to him. Amma would never leave home or attend any celebrations. Our savings depleted too; my grandfather paid for our education.

But on good days, when Appa was in less pain & Amma had saved enough to make me & Janani our favorite meal, we’d talk about things we’d do ‘once things got better.’ While our answers changed from time to time, Amma’s was constant–‘We’ll take a family trip.’ The only ‘trip’ Amma had ever taken was to Bangalore for Appa’s treatment.

So, even though I was in my teens, I decided I’d make that dream of Amma’s a reality. I studied hard, did well in school & college; I got my 1st job at 22. Amma was ecstatic–she’d only introduce me as her ‘engineer son.’ From my 1st salary, I bought her a saree; Amma was in tears.
Slowly, I saved to give my family a better life. But last year, we lost Appa. I decided then that I’d do anything to fulfill Amma’s dreams.

So, last month, when I was getting felicitated in Kolkata for work, I thought, ‘Why not take Amma?’ I booked her ticket & said, ‘We’re going on our 1st trip!’
On D-day, Amma had a childlike glee on her face. On the flight, she couldn’t stop admiring the clouds; she cutely listened to every announcement with full attention.

In Kolkata, I saw Amma’s carefree side! We toured the city–from Victoria Memorial to Kali Temple, stuffed our faces with sandesh & went shopping!
At 54, this was Amma’s 1st trip–her 1st time in a flight & the 1st time she’s doing things for herself. After we got back, Amma told her friends, ‘Nimal made my dream come true.’

I’m already planning my next trip with her–the Taj Mahal. Amma always wanted to go there with Appa. I know he’ll be proud of me from up there as I make all of Amma’s dreams come true!”