Nani's House

By Aadya Gupta

BA Program (philosophy and sociology)

Design: Ayushi Rani

Now that we are nearing the cold chilly weather which makes us not want to get up in the morning and put our foot outside the duvet, makes us want to have loads of hot chocolate while rewatching the Harry Potter Series or Gilmore Girls, it also brings back fond memories. It unlocks the thousands of memories I made at my grandparents’ house when I used to go and stay over during my school vacations. I think that was the reason vacations were so long awaited so that I can visit them and receive all the love and pampering. Even thinking about it makes my heart full. Till date I call it “Nani’s house” , which was a small place perfect for two-four people with two bedrooms, a kitchen and a cute dining room which was never used correctly, reason being- me and sister used to jump around those sofas while playing tag, just messing up the whole area, throwing cushions in the air and then hiding somewhere to avoid getting an earful from our mother.

The air used to feel different at Nani’s house, starting from the old, rusted windows to the salt finish concrete floor (It basically screamed Vintage from every corner). But for me one thing that I can never forget is my Nanu’s almirah, that almirah didn’t only pique my interest but all of my siblings were crazy to find out what treasure lies inside it. But when it comes to rules and discipline my Nanu is quite strict, so no kid was allowed to open that almirah and I think that is what made it more interesting, that want or curiosity to know what might lie inside it. Let's say that mystery stays a mystery.

It’s crazy how time flies. From going to visit them every year it turned to occasional visits because somewhere or the other we also grew up, along with life throwing various challenges at us and forgetting the forever bonds. With a heavy heart I write this, I wish I hadn't put off visiting my Nanu and Nani. I wish I had spent more time with my Nanu while I still had the chance because now, without him, Nani's house feels so empty. It's like a part of the warmth and laughter is missing, and no matter how hard I try, I can't f ill that space. I find myself aching for just one more conversation, one more moment with him, to feel the way things used to be. At this point I personally feel that the character of that old lady in Inside Out 2 who played nostalgia rules my emotions most of the time, because I am everywhere except the present, revisiting my favourite set of memories.