The sisterhood

A smile that is what I recall of that baby. A sweet-knowing smile that she gave me while lying in swaddling clothes. She still has that charming and disarming smile. Now she is no-longer that baby. She is the baby-girl-woman now. The apple of our dad’s eyes. The Kunju of our Mum. Our bacha for ever. Our beloved chuklumaav. Our sister. My sister. Mine and Renu’s. Reena!
An avid believer in the power of the one who turned water into wine. She vouches by the Jewish Carpenter. Always acknowledges the impact of this carpenter. His art as the master carpenter of her life is undeniable. She celebrates his goodness through music. She is the modern Mary and all generations shall call her Blessed. The Cross of the Carpenter is her favourite symbol. She is the quintessential cross-bearer, not her’s alone, but others’ crosses too.
Elizabeth Fry. Does that name ring a bell? Ms. Fry was an English prison reformer, social reformer and, a Christian philanthropist. Who would have ever thought that the 19th century reformer could have instilled some life-altering values in an eighth grade girl? Reena did not win any prize in that elocution competition. She however, won an ambition – a passion to undergird the cause of the prisoners.
A new chapter unfolds; a new world waits with open arms to embrace her. It’s an eyeful to watch her persevere to transform her dreams into reality. I have confidence and confidence alone. That has been Reena Mary Maria’s Song. She is marching to Vienna. Bhandup to Vienna. Wow! People asked what good could come out of Bethlehem. Well what good could have come out of Bhandup!! B.E.S. English High School. Central Government Servants Quarters aka C-Sector. The Water Tank. The Guava Trees. Bhandup East, Bhandup West, Bhandup Gaon!!! We even came to be known as The Bhandup Sisters.
Time to bid adieu to Bhandup has arrived. The hills of Vienna beckon and they are alive with the Sound of Music. Hope Vienna will enable you to strum new chords which will reverberate ,rejuvenate and revolutionise your world. May your world be free from prison bars always. May you surmount all impediments and always fly up high.