Jethu and the New Adventures
When I was really little I read a lot of Enid Blyton. My favourite Enid Blyton stories always had a warm, cosy house in England with a garden bursting with roses, honeysuckle and violets. It was so green. It also smelt of food. Tea and chocolate biscuits. Sometimes sausages. My Nanu’s house in Kolkata is also full of food (fish curry, chicken), idols of Ma Kali and Durga and lots of photographs.
When I first went to Jethu’s house in London, I could not believe it. There were some comfortable wicker chairs, looking onto a green garden bursting with flowers and there I sat with my chocolate biscuits and tea laughing away with Jethu and Jethima. The table in front was laden with Indian food and when you crossed over, Ma Kali and Durga reigned over us alongside so many photos. This seemed like a story-book grandparents' home to me.
My memories of Jethu are filled with food, love, laughter and gifts.
I cried a lot when I heard we won’t have Jethu in the house the next time I visit. But then Dumbledore said “to an well-organised mind, death is just the next great adventure.” So I don’t feel so bad anymore. Have fun on your new adventure, Jethu. But we will always miss you.