Hidden In My Closet.

                                               

              Come March and it's wardrobe organising and cleaning season. Time to put away those big fat sweaters and thick jackets. It also means, making way for the summery cottons and smart linens. The biggest problem being creation of space in the already over crowded wardrobe. So, I decided to reorganise and let go of things that do not spark joy in me:) Yes, hail Marie Kondo! With great gusto, I started  my mission. In half an hour the entire room looked like it had been hit by a tsunami. A huge pile of  'I will fit in in someday clothes' sat mocking at me. Quietly, I chided myself for being over positive about fitting in! Pun intended.

            A while later hubby peeped in and looking at my confused, bewildered state, chose to retract as quickly as possible. Probably fearing that I would be snappy or worse, might ask for help! Finally, after 2 hours of keeping in and letting go of stuff, the room began to resemble it's earlier state and the closet looked nothing like it's old state. Feeling satisfied about myself, enthusiasm still intact and Marie Kondo within, I peeked into my precious locker to look for things that brought me joy.
           
                          Immense joy I did find! As I was organising little boxes of jewellery and feeling pleased about the beautiful trinkets all shining and sparking. I stumbled upon a priceless treasure, my Aaji's ( Paternal Grandmother's) necklace! Handed down by her, to my mom and then to me. Sturdy solid beauty among other dainty pieces, unaffected by the number of years it had been in existence. An image of my aaji immediately appeared before my eyes. She was a petite strong woman, highly qualified(lawyer), great orator,voracious reader, wordsmith,amazing wit and a social worker to the core. She felt deeply for the lesser privileged and had a profound  sense of giving. Someone who truly embodied the phrase, simple living and high thinking. Never did she buy sarees, jewellery or similar items other than those that were basic and necessary; unlike her grand daughter, who is guilty of happily indulging in retail therapy.  This particular necklace was probably part of her wedding jewellery or post wedding festivities.A gift from from my grandfather who she lost too early.  And here it was in my hands, a symbol of their love, they shared 50 years ago !
                      Running my fingers over the solid gold beads of the necklace, all hand made, each the exact same size. It had rubies embedded  in between, one fallen off, much like her life where not everything was perfect, but she lived it solid 24 K!   On the back side, was her name neatly inscribed in Marathi.  She must have worn it as newly wed bride, unsure and nervous of life ahead. I had worn it at my wedding too and remember showing it to her. She had responded with the kindest look and sweetest  smile, holding my hand in her's.It was a moment when neither of us said a word, none was needed.
     
                   Looking at this neckpiece today, it's remembrance of a life well lived, fond memories of love and  unconditional affection for a child who was a star of her eyes, as foolish as I may have actually been. All those memories of her came rushing in. Misty eyed, I closed the box and kept the memories safe inside. I can only aspire to be half of the person she was! My aaji.

                    Finally, after shutting the cupboards,I mentioned to Sam that my closet now had enough space for some new summer additions.Samar had a blank expressionless face, so I reminded him that the locker still has lot of space.He at least rolled his eyes then. LOL !

                  Enveloped with a warm feeling of  aaji's memories, I sat down to write. Writing, reading and oratory are a few things I have taken after her. Haven't really imbibed her frugality though !
There are some things I  know, money can never buy. For everthing else, there's of course, master card ! :)