Raama Naidu loved his mother more than any person in the world. She was his star in a moonless sky, always shining and sparkling, his guide, friend, and personal philosopher. Her views and theories on life, the result of a difficult childhood and continuing struggles in adulthood.
‘Raama, keep your eyes and ears open. They will often betray you. But your spirit will know what’s best.’
As a six-year-old boy, Raama had never understood the significance of his mother’s statement. But, now at twenty-three, he knew it couldn’t have been said any better. The real world was very different from a safe and loving home.
‘There are vultures and hyenas waiting to feast on you. One lethal mistake and no mercy will be shown.’
Another of the woman’s wisdoms. She never held back when it came to conveying life’s bitter truths. And Raama loved her even more for that.
The young man sat in an airconditioned room. It was his first job interview. His tie felt too tight, gripping his neck with authority. His legs barely fit beneath the desk in front of him. All of what he was and could be, filed in a folder, awaited approval from strangers who knew nothing else about him.
‘Raama, always hold back a little. Never give too much of yourself. Others will value you more.’
And that was what the man had done. He had toyed with the interviewers. Giving them what they wanted but keeping to himself details that made him more mysterious and alluring.
‘A story without an ending is a story that will go on.’
Raama smiled at his mother’s words and at the handshakes congratulating him. He would begin his new job from Monday.
The one room apartment welcomed Raama home. A celebration was in order. The man gathered the brass urn in his arms. He hardly felt the weight of his mother’s ashes. They would be going out for dinner tonight.
‘Food and drink nourish our bodies. But prayers are food for the soul.’
The woman was always right. Raama stopped at the temple on the way.
He doesn’t give a damn what you think about him. I’m Just Plain Nasty is his self-righteous mantra. It describes him appropriately.
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I can imagine a Monty Python scenario in our culture. Taking mother out for dinner….or is it just my ‘warped’ mind at work?
I liked ‘gripping his neck with authority’…..
I guess there is an absurdity to this. But sometimes attachment and love defies what’s normal. As long as it doesn’t harm anyone. Thanks Don. 🙂
I guess the bottom line to anything Terveen is you can do whatever pleases you, provided it doesn’t hurt others. I guess respect for what someone does you don’t regard as ‘normal’ also comes into it. Us humans are ‘finely balanced’ creatures……
Very true, Don. I’m glad you said this. It really is about that fine tuning of the self and adjusting to others. 🙂
Your story is an ode to mother love and to a mother’s wealth of knowledge, Terveen. 🙂
Raama is wise t admit his to mother’s wisdom advice so early in his life.
A mother can be so many things to a child. It’s really a mix of positive and negative. I wanted to show Raama as a devoted and loving son. To the drastic extent of not letting go of his mother even after death.
Thank you so much, Patricia for feeling this vibe. 🙂
‘A story without an ending is a story that will go on.’ and an odd story is very enticing to the reader.
It is an odd one. 🙂
Makes one wonder and think about the protagonist and his love and devotion for his mother. Thank you so much.
Beautifully written. Enjoyed reading the wonderful story
Even more delightful are the philosophical teachings of Raama’s mother
Do we call this philosofiction 😄
Haha! I like that word, Mayank. Might use it in the future. Raama and his mother are bound by wisdoms and love. Not a typical relation. But that’s the beauty of fiction. Thank you so much! 🙂
A story which goes into our very conscience. Mother is not just the physical person. Symbolic also of the creative divinity inside.
A beautiful allegory. Great story
I agree. There’s so much more to the aura of mother. It is the symbol of birth and beginnings. Yes, creative divinity is a beautiful description, a spiritual reflection. Thank you so much! 🙂
Thank you for this story
mama’s words of wisdom guides us always..’a story without an ending will go on’ wow
That is so true. Mothers are loyal and loving guides. Thank you so much! 🙂
A beautiful story, and tribute to those loved ones in our lives that continue to support us, even after they depart. Love it, Terveen. 😊
Thank you so much, Jeff. It’s indeed a tribute to loving relationships. Some continue beyond the parameters of life. 🙂
Indeed, my friend, they do. You’re most welcome, Terveen, always. 😊
It is a very well written story showing the love of a mother towards her son,and her quotes of life experiences. Ioved the story.
It’s a bond that is based on trust, love, and support. Even though the mother has passed on, the son still pines for her presence.
Thank you so much! 🙂
His star in a moonless sky…..lovely!
Thank you. 🙂
I think after a while and with experience, it begins to sink in that mother’s always guide us in the right path. We cannot ignore the voice of reason. A lesson in learning, Terveen.
Thanks for these wise words, Shobana. Can see a mother’s wisdom in them. A mother is a great influence in a child’s life. 🙂
Yes, my friend!
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I know a man who loves his mother so much that he doesn’t mind to alienate other people in his life. LOL. The bond between a mother and her son can be so strong sometimes that no other relationship can intrude upon.
I know that in real life this isn’t a pleasant thing. Especially if it’s at the cost of other relations. Every person has a place and shouldn’t intrude into the space of others. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂