Paromita Bardoloi
(Letters from a mother to her imaginary daughter)
Dear daughter,
Today is a beautiful day. I love the monsoons; especially the afternoons. I feel these afternoons are timeless, they can take you anywhere. Such days always take me to the silent afternoons of my childhood. I never thought I would grow up one day. But I did. Such is the magic of time, it flows unannounced.
Now this is my third letter to you. There are things that I have failed at and a few others that I have succeeded at, a few lessons have been learnt, and others, Maa is still learning. However, I say, your life lessons might be different from mine, but I hope you respect that everyone carries different text books in this journey of life.
One of the most important places that you will need to find in this world is a place to grieve. Grief is very vulnerable and tender; you have to find that safe place. Mostly it will be your girlfriend's shoulder. For you, it can be anyone. But do find that one place. It will help you go a long way.
But beta, refuse to play small. If someone cannot take the complete you, it is an injustice to yourself to play small so that you can hang around with some people. It is your birth right to express yourself to the fullest, if it makes you an outcast at times, so be it. Hold your head high, cry in the washroom, and then walk like a queen who knows how to protect her Queen-dom.
If you have fallen in love, the terms and conditions are different. Don't be surprised if one day he invites you to be the best man at his wedding. Remember, you signed the contract for being the best friend. And that is what you got. Don't sign half deals, ever. And trust me, if someone only wants to sign a deal of a friend, so be it. If you want a partner, there is always someone out there who will sign it for you. Always. Know what you want and go for it. Go for the full deal.
I always have a hint of doubt when people show their perfect lives all the time. Remember, perfection is only for social media and most importantly Instagram. In personal relationships, it's mostly about dealing with the flawed parts. If they are talking as saints or poetries all the time, sit on the fence and take time to gauge.
Beta, this has been a long letter, and I know I need to stop. But there is so much I need to share with you and with all my daughters who will read my letters. One daughter will share my womb and others, my heart. One daughter's name I will know and others, their spirit. I will wait for the day when all my daughters fly un-pinned. And what a gorgeous world that is going to be. I might not share that world, but I know, we all worked for that one beautiful world.
I shall forever love you. You are a piece of my heart out in the world. Handle yourself with care.
With love,
Maa