My mum is a depository of stories. Sometimes a little unclear but mostly interesting. Her stories have given me precious glimpses into the various phases of her life.

That said, there is one peculiar but still interesting story about two young girls, who visited her and played hide and seek in her condominium. She saw their reflections on her flatscreen TV. From her sofa, located directly in front of the telly. The story first emerged when she became unwell in 2020. It has since evolved with variations and add-ons.

At the time, my mum had lost interest in most things. She didn’t watch, read, speak or eat. She just sat and stared into space. She’s much better now. Thanks to regular medication, 24×7 support and palliative care. She has lost a lot of weight. She is but a fraction of her former self. Her COPD, heart failure and kidney disease have deteriorated. Her Ejection Fraction (EF) is probably in the low 20’s. And, she’s on an oxygenator round-the-clock.

That said, there are several upsides. Yes, upsides. She is curious, alert and chatty. She excitedly watches her Tamil serials. In an interactive mode, no less. Commenting on unrealistic situations. Scolding docile characters in ‘Sundari,’ and admonishing the evil intentioned-ones in ‘Anadha Ragam’ and ‘Kayal’ every evening.

She enthusiastically reads Tamil magazines and books. Foregoing her afternoon naps in favour of the twists and turns, and storylines she finds too irresistible to put down. She’s currently going through her stockpile of Tamil magazines, including ‘Kanmani,’ ‘Raani,’ ‘Ramani Santhiran’ and ‘Kumatham.’ Recently, she finished reading the 455-page  ‘Stories about Vikramathithan’ and 312-page ‘Stories about Thenaliraman.”

To her credit, she also read ‘Ponniyan Selvan’ before it became a blockbuster movie in 2022. It was a birthday present from many years ago. She has watched the film twice, and is looking forward to the sequel due for release this year. I only realised she was an avid reader when she was in England visiting sisters’ number 1 and 3. At sister number 3’s house, she read after she had completed her morning and evening prayers. Because she spent hours praying, we assumed she was at the altar when she didn’t answer and/or was late at mealtimes. That is until we discovered her sitting comfortably on her bed with glasses on, and book in hand. Nice.

My mum turns 90 this September. She forgets stuff, naturally. Her short-term memory is a little suspect. Her longer-term memory, however, is still spot on. She can recollect happenings particularly her childhood, her family and some relatives.

One of my mum’s favourite speed-dial stories is about ‘Puchi Pati’ or ‘Insect’ grandmother. She descended on my grandmother’s house after a spat with her son. Long-stayed and was gone unexpectedly as she had arrived. Thiagarajan, another guest, doubled-up as a a’ la Grab or Food Panda, on foot, and delivered Indian breakfast food like ‘idli’ and ‘tosai’ – a business my grandmother operated – for sale at designated eateries. And, Velayan, a grave digger, who occasionally dropped by for a takeaway dinner. My grandmother was generous with Velayan as she hoped he’d do a good job when it was her time. Hmm. My mum also has distinct memories of her married life. Husband and children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is interested and asks about her 7 children, 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Back to my mum’s story. It’s a small cast. The main characters are ‘the’ mum, one ‘grandfather/Tata’ also known as A for clarity, one family cook – also ‘grandfather/Tata,’ two girls – Laxmi and Saras, and one boy. The young boy and two old men have no names.

It starts with the mum trying to end her life as she’s disappointed with her uncaring husband. She is prevented by ‘Anjenayar’ or ‘Hanuman’ – the monkey god. ‘Anjenayar’ then guides the mum and her three children to A’s house. Mum recognises A as the older brother of her father-in-law (B). She learns that her husband is actually A’s son, who was brought up by B and his wife after A’s wife died. B and wife were paid to look after A’s son. But alas, he turned into a less than nice person. Saddened by her plight, A invites the mum, who is his daughter-in-law and children, who are his grandchildren, to live in his house. They are his family and he will care for them.

Sometimes, the story would include how the cook stumbled upon A’s house and how the mum fed him, and gave him employment. Sometimes, it would be about her two girls being hungry and wanting different types of food. But always, my mum narrates the story as if she is ‘the’ mum.  

What did/do I make of this story? Fiction – Tamil serials and books/magazines. Fact – life experiences. An active imagination. Whichever. Whatever. I like that my mum’s mind/brain is ticking and thinking.