'AeVey J' - The Story Behind
I began my humble writing journey with this piece, 'Mummy (- in - law ?)' - dedicated to my mother-in-law, Mrs. Jeyanthi Bojan. It still remains close to my heart, a genuine expression of love from the very bottom of my soul.
It has been five years since we lost this beloved soul, whom I had the privilege of meeting and living with in this lifetime.
She was a strong woman, though tender at heart—flawless and perfect in her ways. She won millions of hearts, always honest and true. She stood up for her loved ones and saw them through.
An epitome of love and affection, a genuine soul, and a giver all her life—though she has left this world for a better place, her warmth and love still linger.
We believe it is manifested in our little daughter, Mitraya. Some souls never truly depart, and love so pure always finds a way back to where it belongs.
As a token of gratitude, I had decided to pay tribute to this great human who touched our lives by penning in her name. The "J" in "AeVey J" is a dedication to her.
She was a wonderful writer, though unfortunately an unrecognized talent herself. I have every reason to believe that my role as a writer was destined long ago—whether as a blessing, divine intervention, or, for those who believe otherwise, the Universe conspiring to tie up loose ends and complete the story.
Though I miss her terribly at this moment, I know she would have been elated and proud of every little step I’ve taken.
I feel her presence and warmth every time I hug my daughter, and she remains eternal in our cherished memories.
Life is short indeed and fairly unpredictable. So, choose to live in the moment, make the most of your time, stay true to your heart, be grateful for the love you receive, celebrate the beautiful relationships around you, and create memories with them that will last a lifetime.
Because in the end, only memories remain when nothing else does.
Mummy (- in - law ?)
Love at first sight.
It was, indeed!
How clichéd does that sound?
Now, if you're going to judge me and conclude that this is just another high school love story, you're about to be surprised—or maybe even shocked!
Words can't describe the 'knot in the throat' moment when we met for the first time. All I could feel for this lovely human was...
Love.
Just warm and unadulterated love.
Such was the aura of this woman, whom I’ve been blessed to call 'Mummy' (in my native tongue), or rather, 'Mother-in-law'!!
I was supposedly in love with her son when we first met, and he had succeeded in creating quite a terrifying image of her in my mind during those endless late-night conversations. This turned out to be 'Judgement Day' —the day he was to introduce me to his family.
I was waiting at our favorite coffee shop, anxiously expecting my future in-laws, as seconds ticked away like a ticking time bomb.
I was experiencing tightness in my chest, palpitations, sweats, an increased heartbeat, and every other symptom that could’ve sent me straight to the emergency ward!
And finally, there they were. Blurry figures smiling and walking toward me—that’s all I could see at the time.
After the initial customary hellos and a few moments of 'Tell us about yourself' over coffee, we were done.
“So, when can we meet your parents?” they asked.
I could barely hear those words over the gurgling noises in my head.
My boyfriend was beaming at me and squeezing my hand.
“Whew, finally!” I wanted to exclaim, but I couldn’t utter a word.
My mother-in-law stepped closer and gave me a warm, comforting hug. I looked into her eyes and almost teared up.
That’s when she said, “Hush, no. I shall not let a tear escape your eyes as long as I’m here. Welcome to my family, Ponnu (my little girl).”
To this day, this is my most beautiful memory of her, one that I cherish and simply can't get over.
True to her word, what followed was a glorious five year journey of my life with her. Those years were precious. There was happiness, love, joy, sorrow, learning... and what not!
Life after marriage couldn’t have been more beautiful or more rewarding. It all felt like a dream until one day, we were shaken awake by reality.
We lost my mother-in-law to cancer, a disease she had been valiantly battling for ten whole years. Despite her invincible strength, struggles, and pain, she managed to live a wholesome life with us—or for us, rather—with an unfailing spirit right until the end.
An epitome of love, kindness, and positivity, just and straightforward in her ways, she was an inspiration for generations to come. She had meant the world to us. I could go on, but no list of words can do justice in describing her as a person.
She left behind a gaping void that none could fill. Such was the magnanimity of her persona.
All we have left now are the memories she created with us, and they keep us going.
A beautiful soul that she was, she had glided away gently, up past the clouds, to brighten the night sky and to be our guiding star forever.
At times, I end up thinking if every family in this world were blessed enough to have a Mother-in-law like her, the world could be a better place for all of us to call home.
So, why can’t we, the ladies of today and tomorrow, try to be better Mummies (in-law) in the future, besides being better Mommies?
With love,
A Daughter(-in-law?)
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