AMMA’S DIAMONDS…
Amma’s stunning collections rest in the large jewel box.
I don’t dare to take them out of the locker.
I’ve great memories of those blue diamond ear-studs
that were a part of her wedding trousseau—
She was the only offspring of a wealthy family.
Her divine countenance emanated joy
and positivity, the blue diamonds dazzled in
the morning sun and more in the evening,
the luminescent lights were put to shame.
Adorning them made her ‘invincible’—‘Adamas!’
She cared for them more than she did for me.
Gently removing them, placing them safely
in a small box on the kitchen shelf
She’d take a customary ‘head-bath,’
on all Mondays and Fridays, then dry
her jet-black tresses over the fragrant ‘sambrani dhoop’,
She’d sit on the ‘pattu pai', spread a white towel o’er her thighs,
wipe the jewels, the diamonds et al till
they sparkled; then decked herself again.
My birdbrain never could understand –“They are about
a carat each!” she’d say with pride,
she was the epitome of grace and poise.
The blue diamond studs she constantly adorned
The changes were a long chain with a chunky
diamond pendant or the slim diamond necklace,
paired with a dozen diamond bangles.
Her sartorial preferences temporarily numbed my senses.
The day the biopsy results came out
She took off the blue diamond studs
And sent them along with the other jewellery
to be placed in the bank locker.
She remained stoic through the chemo and radiation
as the Big C mercilessly spread its tentacles deep into her.
Amma’s magnificent collection rests in the large jewel box.
I don’t dare to take them out of the locker...
Sambrani dhoop – A fragrant resin used in homes on auspicious days and during prayers.
Pattu pai — Aka pattamadai pai, mats silk structure were part of the wedding ‘seeru’ or gifts given by the bride’s parents.
Note: Diamonds, gold jewellery, the silver idols, and the brass utensils are given by the bride’s parents. The blue-diamond and other jewellery symbolized opulence and power at South Indian weddings. They remain treasured as heirlooms.
Hema Ravi is a poet, author, reviewer, editor (Efflorescence), event organiser, independent researcher, and resource person for language development courses. She has authored Joie De Vivre, The Cuckoo Sings Again, Everyday English and Write Right Handwriting Series 1,2,3.
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