As a little girl, summers meant nani ghar for me.
Since my nanaji was a Central Government employee, he’d get transferred often. My childhood was, when he was at the pinnacle of his career, he’d often have the luxury of large, sarkaari bungalows.
In my 5 year old mind, all I could equate it to was bigger the house, bigger the gulab jamun! I willingly accompanied them to banquets, inauguration ceremonies and functions. Many a times, as a means of flattery, I’d be called my Nani’s daughter. My 55 year old nani would nod, with a meekish smile.
Before alighting off the classic, white Ambassador car, with towels as seat covers and musty leather, she would open a small “dibbi” from her black “SreeLeathers” hand bag. Swiftly, like a gentle glide, an elaichi would be popped into her mouth. I saw her do this, everytime she left the car to visit anywhere. I had in that time, decided, I want that dibbi when she passes.
Ofcourse, one afternoon, when I was laying on her tummy, enjoying a summer siesta, now a 12 year old, I gathered the courage to ask her.
Nani, wo dibbi de do.
-Kaun sa ge?
Arre wo, elaichi wala..
*breaks into laughter, that end with a sweet grin*
-Acha, theek hai, almaari se bag leke aayo
Nani, chaabhi…
-Wahi, bistra ke neeche..
That’s when she gave me this dibbi, and was quick to replace it with a cylindrical silver one, the one that has a glass, screw fastened lid.
It’s been with me, pretty much since.
It sits safely in a drawer, by my side, always.
Why did she say yes? She could have said no.
To the elaichi of my eye. ❤️
#nostalgia #vintagesilver #heirlooms #nani
The Small Joys of Life 
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