She is a superwoman to me, a fighter and a teacher. She plays these roles efficiently because she is a mother. And there can be no proud moment for a daughter when she gets to write about her own mother and acquaint the entire world of how strong and well made her mother is. Thanks Mum, for making me proud.
Vijya Bhatia, lovingly known as Lilly, at 56, is standing headstrong heroing the acts of a mother as well as a father for me and my elder sister. Yes she is not the only one but she is the only one among us who is struggling. Its been ten years she hasn’t complained, its been ten years she hasn’t give up, It’s been ten years she hasn’t taken what we can call rest.
She was born in Ahmedabad. Her father was a textile businessmen and mother, a housewife. My mother pursued a degree in Home Science in Vadodra from MS University post which she got married in Delhi. My sister was born in 1986 and me in 1996, which is also around the time when life decided to get tougher for my parents.
We had to leave the house because of some differences. It was like we were starting all over again. We stepped out with parent’s blessing and a small idol of laddugopal, she says recalling her time spent with my dad.
Both shifted to Delhi with my sister and me to begin a new business.
Dry fruits, mom says as I ask her questions over a conversation I’ve never had before.
From what I sparsely remember we re-shifted to Surat when I was in class 2. But what I clearly remember is, my parents made sure I studied in the best school, and had everything I asked for.
We were each other’s strength, mom says.
My father passed away in 2006 leaving three of us on our own. His death was immediately followed by floods that affected most of Surat, including my dad’s store.
I was amazed to see my mother bouncing back with all her strength right after our father’s death. She took charge and shifted all the products to the top floor all by herself, recalls my sister. I was in class 4th then.
A single mother of 2 now, with practically no support from extended family, ma had to make a choice – running a well settled business which did have monetary uncertainties or to choose a job with limited however guaranteed salary at the end of the month. Naturally, she chose the later.
Repayment of loans, bearing my expenses, policies, instalments are few of the things I see my mother juggling with. Let me tell you, she was not used to this. Neither was she used to getting betrayed by her loved ones who she thought would stand by her no matter what.
Life after my husband has been tough. However now, I have dreams that keep me running. Dreams of seeing my daughters well-settled, being independent and happy.
This is not an extra ordinary story because every mother is a hero for their children. But this is an ordinary story of someone extraordinary who defines my life.
I never said this to you mumma, but life is difficult for me to see you like this. Have faith because we have a better tomorrow. Thank you for being my favourite story. 🙂
Bringing you independent, solution-oriented and well-researched stories takes us hundreds of hours each month, and years of skill-training that went behind. If our stories have inspired you or helped you in some way, please consider becoming our Supporter.
