The Wise Granny
The chat Shrimati had with her son a few days back kept resounding in her ears.
“Amma, Avni has been diagnosed with anxiety, “her son’s voice sounded tense.
“Why don’t you let her spend her vacations with me? A few days away from routine will give her a much-needed break. If you feel she is not better, you can take her to a therapist.” Shrimati had suggested this after Amit had given her a detailed account. Her experienced mind sensed both the problem and the solution.
Though reluctant, he agreed to drop his daughter off at his mom’s place for a week.
Shrimati noticed that Avni spoke only when spoken to. Her red eyes had sunk deep into their sockets. She spent most of her time scrolling her mobile or watching television.
“Of what use is a mobile to you, Avni? Don’t you spend time with your friends outdoors?” Shrimati asked.
“Ajji, papa, and amma are both busy. The nanny who takes care of me does not allow me to play outside. She says it isn’t safe. So, after I finish my homework I either watch television or spend time on my mobile, “Avni mumbled.
“How do you find your new school, Avni? “
Shrimati noticed beads of sweat forming on Avni’s forehead. Her chest moved up and down trying to keep pace with her breath. Shrimati sat down beside her and clasped Avni’s sweaty, cold palm.
After breakfast, Shrimati took Avni out to their coffee estate. Seeing round red, coffee cherries popping out of every shrub caught Avni’s attention. They spent the whole morning in the estate.
In the evening Shrimati asked one of the farm helpers to teach Avni swimming in the pond.
Avni took to the pond like fish takes to water. This routine continued for a week.
“Do you enjoy being outdoors?” Shrimati queried.
Avni’s eyes sparkled brightly, “I simply loved it. It feels so good ajji, to see the clear skies, the blue, cotton balls flitting by, the red cherries, the greenery in our estate, and the cool water, I loved them all. I really wish I could take them back with me,” the next instant her eyes looked down, “I don’t like my new school. They make fun of me as I don’t get good grades. I am not able to remember anything and I go blank when I see the questions. I am not able to concentrate. Pappa just doesn’t understand. He wants me to top in all my exams.”
“Avni, Can I give you a gift in exchange for your mobile?” Avni nodded her head in glee.
Shrimati handed a basket to Avni as small, brown eyes stared back at her.
Hugging the puppy, she squealed with joy.
“Avni, you have to take good care of the puppy and spend all your free time with it.”
Avni was too busy playing with the puppy to answer. The joy on her face brought a smile to Shrimati’s face.
Glossary:
- Ajji: grandmother
- Amma: mother