“Till the time didi was here, this tree used to be laden with guavas, and now not even a single one could be seen.”, Kaija remarked while looking at the guava branch above her, which was filled with leaves and flowers, but not a single fruit. In Kumaooni language, Kaija is used to address your mother’s sister. But for us she was Kaija, like she was for our mother.
Upon hearing her, my mind was suddenly flooded with Naniji’s memories. As those nostalgic feelings welled inside me, my head tilted towards the guava tree, which was now in full view. For a moment, I could picture her underneath the tree, trying to pluck guavas for us.
I walked to the spot where I just imagined her and looked up towards the tree again. Suddenly my eyes could spot a guava, as green as the leaves but a guava nonetheless, hanging where I saw her plucking the fruits from. Before I could break this news to Kaija, my eyes spotted two tiny guavas on another branch, which just budded maybe a few days ago. At the other end, I saw a fully grown and ripe guava, waiting to be eaten.
A smile broke out as I plucked it and murmered, “Needed just a change of perspective. Still teaching me things..”
ABSINRAW 