“So what time is the train?” Amma asked for the nth time. “Oh God! 6pm!. In fifteen minutes we have to leave home. “Ok ok”! she said hurriedly.
In the auto, Appa was explaining how important it is to arrive early, what if there was traffic and we may end up missing the train! I recorded these ‘gyan’ for my upcoming vlog. Just then, the auto jerked and clumsy me lost balance and my mobile slipped off my hand. I retrieved it but the mobile display was gone! Dejected and sad, having a train to catch, I quickly got into the auto. “You and your vlogging” Appa shouted. Seeing me upset, Amma quietly kept her mobile in my hand, held me close and advised me to keep calm.
“Chalo chalo..S1 is here, Appa rushed. I turned to help Amma and to my utter shock saw Amma walking in the opposite direction. I grabbed her hand, laughing nervously at her sense of direction, although it was very unusual of her. We quickly got into the train. As the train slowly chugged out of the platform, we counted and rechecked the number of bags that we had, kept it in the allotted place and tied the luggage with the newly purchased chain bought a few minutes ago at the station as Amma couldn’t remember where she had kept it.
“I told you to give it to me but you didn’t listen”! Appa started again.
Already upset with what I just experienced, I wanted to just relax.
Just then,
“Chai ChaiChaiiiieh”, came the ‘chaiwala’..the most important vendor, to our relief.
Sipping hot ‘adrakwaala’ ‘kadak’ tea, it really calmed our nerves. Our train went past scenic places, I enjoyed watching but vlogging crazy that I was, I missed capturing these views and clicking pictures and uploading them for my viewers!
Amma served us delicious snacks that she had packed for the train journey. Looking at Appa, she said, “If I had forgotten this, you would be the most disappointed!” Yes Amma! I agreed.
“Yes ma!” he acknowledged thankfully.
We played card games, Amma lost most of the games, which was quite unusual, yet she didn’t give up, was ready to prove she would win the next game. It was so nice spending time together.
After a few hours, our train stopped at a big station. Suddenly, I spotted Amma getting down the train. I rushed behind her, “Amma Amma”. Amma looked so lost. We returned back to our seats.
A little later, while she rested in her berth, I just randomly scrolled her mobile. I couldn’t believe what I saw on that open page.
I couldn’t control my tears as I read them..
Early stages of Alzheimer’s!
Not only Amma knew but was silently enduring it all the while!
I shuddered to think what if I had not lost my mobile, how many days/months would I have taken more to understand her, my own Amma!
