My extended family had gathered under one roof to attend the memorial service of my grand-aunt. Everyone talked about everything, but forgot to talk about the fond memories they had treasured of my grand-aunt. I stealthily moved away from a group of young mothers, who were seriously debating on the topic : “My child is smarter than yours.”
The confrontation
I hastily entered one group to avoid her. I scanned the hall. On one side, a group of aunts', alias self-appointed match makers, were engrossed in sharing the bio-data's and wealth details of their nephews and nieces. On the other side, another group was lamenting about the escalating gold price. I decided it was best for me to stand alone, when I spotted her…my nemesis, who never misses an opportunity to belittle me with her sarcastic tongue.
In this group one of my cousins was being chided by an aunt for not taking an engineering course. I wanted to say something witty or sarcastic to defend my cousin, who was silently listening to my aunt's talk with a smile on her face. But as usual words failed me. Aunty Sarcastic then got tired of putting down my cousin. She turned her gaze on me. I made a quick exit and my cousin gave Aunt Sarcastic a big hug and followed me.
I took my cousin aside and asked her, “Why did you stay quiet? You should have defended your decision to join the Visual communication course.” My cousin just smiled. “Let Aunty Sarcastic demean me in front of others. I'll be a big fool if I let myself get upset even for a minute, when negative words are hurled at me.”
It suddenly hit me that I was one of those imbeciles who had wasted many precious hours, getting upset by replaying the criticisms over and over again. There will always be people in my life who may try to deflate my self-esteem with their words. I resolved never to harbour resentment or feel low or lose sleep when I encounter my critics.
Then, Destiny decided to test me. My nemesis approached me, “Oh! My! You keep on expanding on all sides.” I replied, “You look stunning!” and hugged my nemesis. I left her standing frozen with a look of shock and disbelief on her face.
ANJOO SHARON NAVIN, B.A. English Literature, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore
