By Bidisha Hazarika
Lustrous waves gently settle on her back
Inattentively tied into a tangling knot
And, the jhumka drops from her earlobe in between strands of hair,
The loose end of her marigold saree tucked tightly around her waist.
As the ritualistic white shakha adorns her wrist, and
Red vermilion marks her forehead
They are significant of her ardent fondness for her husband.
The family’s wellbeing defines her happiness.
Her heart leaps with joy at her son’s silliness;
Be it a prank, a mimicry or matching rhythms to quintessential bollywood music.
Her presence in the kitchen is felt
In the lingering spicy aroma filling every corner of the house
And, sometimes from freshly baked cookies and pastry puffs.
Her existence persists everywhere.
Even in the beautifully embroidered sheets and pillow covers
Or, the neatly decorated wall almirahs and sofa sets.
Her echoing voice around the house
Her familiar fragrance lingering
Her demeanour speaking of sensuality and safety,
Make a house a home.
She is the home maker.