Some stories just tear you up because they're not only heartwarming but also inspirational in more ways than one; and in some cases, relatable. Dr Nirav grew up in a household where struggles increased with his growing age. In the midst of all the challenges, he often recalls how his mother ended up compromising the most. Years later, finding his ground as a professional who chose his own path successfully, he decided to give back to his mother all the moments of joy she missed along the way.
Dr Nirav shares with SheThePeople how his mother found her happiness again after years of living a quiet, faded life, and why took it upon himself to help her prioritise herself.
How Dr Nirav's mother found her happiness when she least expected it
"Maa was just 12 when nana ji married her off to my father. Growing up, she had a rough childhood and due to some sickness, she had some problems with her leg. Worrying that their daughter might never find a groom, my maternal grandparents married her off. At the age when children are supposed to go to school and enjoy themselves, she was having a baby.
She got pregnant at just 13 but lost the baby soon after he was born. By the time she turned 18 and gave birth to me, she had lost two children and had three miscarriages.
Growing up, things were very tough as we didn’t have our own house and no one in Ahmedabad would allow tenants to stay more than 11 months. So we would move every year and Maa would set up the house from scratch. In my memory, I only remember her struggling, never taking a break for herself.
Five years ago, I moved away from home to live life on my own terms and though Maa tried to understand my perspective, we couldn’t be on the same page.
She had never travelled away from the city, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, she finally came to stay with me for a month. And it was like watching a flower bloom!
She had always lived to make others happy but this one month was a new experience for her. She didn’t have to worry about society or the neighbours. She didn’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn. It was the first time I saw her sit peacefully and enjoy her cup of coffee, without rushing off to finish some work around the house. She also started doing yoga with me and learned to cook healthy meals.
Due to her several pregnancies and other surgeries, Maa often has pain in her legs and back but during this one month she felt healthy and enjoyed taking long walks with me. She forgot about her pains and the big box of medicine she had bought with her. She finally had a taste of freedom and a sense of living for herself.
When the month ended and it was time for her to go back, she completed all the procedures at the airport herself boarded the plane alone. The experience has changed her and I can see a new spark in her now. Even though she has gone back home, she still does Yoga every day and has promised to come back to stay with me soon!"
Narrated by Dr Nirav to Niharika, Team SheThePeople | In image, mother and son, Dr Nirav Yog.
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