ali aunty

read the post abt ali aunty which is what we called nigars mother and was transported back 2 their house where we spent many a lazy day climbing trees, growing through the pangs of adolescence and eating wonderful biryani cooked up in humungous amounts by her. incidentally this house was a warren - u could meander through the spaces and like alice in wonderland get lost down a rabbit hole full of surprises. presided over by a very gentle and calm ali uncle. i remember the first time we went 2 him for a consultation- after the check up when we dad or mum asked 4 the charges, he just smiled and said - give whatever u think is fit! this was later replaced by no charges at all and even later by us all free- loading at his place and in her kitchen. i am always humbled by this memory and often feel ashamed when i have 2 ask 4 fees from a recalcitrant patient. as 4 aunty, once she gave us eggs ( boiled presumably) and despite our protestations that we didnt want them in the middle of the afternoon, insisted we eat them. and lo and behold- on shelling they turned into some delectable dessert which had all the colors of the original. i hope nargis one of u has garnered the recipe as she wouldnt let us into the secret then. she was a perfect foil 4 uncle with an enormous appetite 4 shopping, planning weddinds and in general behaving like u really had 2 live life queen size. i dont think we can have that style of living anymore now , busy as we r with earning our daily bread - it was a different era and nutured different people. it saddens me now 2 think of this lady laid low but i am sure that she will recover, given her indomitable spirit and joie-de-verve. pl do me a favour- send me her phone no so i can talk 2 her and tell her we all wish her a speedy recovery. also could someone mail me sister rosalie's no and email id also. after her retreat i would love 2 communicate with her - wonderful idea this retreat - i remember feeling very awed as a child by its mystery but think i should go 4 it as an adult.