dailypost: The dreaded call

My Tribute to my Ever Loving Mom

dailypost: The dreaded call

The Dreaded Call


Neelam Rathee

Mother’s interest in Cricket was never more than asking for the score once in a while or if India won or lost. Yes, she did know some popular cricketers of her times. One day when she called me early morning; with apprehension and being worried since Mom was not keeping well I took the call.

“Do you know how Nawab Pataudi died? I heard he had lung disease”. Knowing well that Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi had Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis – an Interstitial Lung Disease, the same my mother was suffering from, I got anxious if she had become aware of her life threatening disease, which we hadn't disclosed to her till then.

I kept my calm and assured her, “No Mom, he had a much serious problem than yours, you will be fine soon”. She was assuaged and sounded positive, “Yes, I am feeling better now, but there's so much swelling”. I again tried to pacify her saying, “Mom you know that it's because of steroids. They are going to withdraw them slowly with this newly administered medicine, and you are going to be your healthy self once again like heroines of your times”. I tried to amuse her and she felt convinced. “Maybe then I won't have to take any medicine, I am fed up with them.” She said and hung up. I could hardly control my tears.

I didn’t have the courage to tell her that she might have to take these medicines as long as she lived, and her condition might improve and remain stable for the time being, but will worsen with every passing day. My sister and I had decided not to tell her about the seriousness of her malady. We didn't want her to die every day in anticipation. As per her doctor's opinion, she still had 3-4 years. Had she known this that her condition will deteriorate with time, she would not have been at peace with herself. She had been very active all her life and never wanted to be dependent on anyone for anything.

Putting down the phone I was lost in memories of the good old days. Mama was a very vibrant and a woman full of life. She was still quite outgoing and social, always there for others in their difficult times, helping them out in every possible manner. She had an elephantine memory, and we all used to turn to her when ever had a disagreement on dates or details. She had an immaculate dress sense, was very beautiful and had a very graceful and impressive personality. Above all, she was a great cook. And not just cooking, she was a real 'annapurna' as she loved to feed all. Every time I came back from home to my work, she will pack food for me and my friends. All our relatives and friends cherished her paranthas.

Then one day phone rang again early morning. It was not her this time. What I heard was shocking and beyond belief. Mother had gone. How could it be possible when the doctors had given us 3-4 years time? When just the night before we both sisters had a long chat with mother? And she was genuinely sounding better than before. But the worst had happened and true to her words, she did not take any aid till her last breath. She bid good bye to us all and left for heavenly abode very peacefully.

Though I still feel her divine presence around, but she is not there to tell me, “eat your dinner, beta” as she always used to and which were her last words to me.

Miss you Mom! Lots!