Dear Aunt Lakshmi,

                                   I hope you're doing better in the hospital today,after last night's shock.I sincerely hope with all my heart that you will be alright.I wanted to talk to you about a serious issue that's been screaming to be thrown out in words,but I didn't have enough pluck to talk to you.

It takes me a lot to say this,but I have to talk to you about the volatile issue of your son's actions.I can understand your pain,dear aunt,I know how much it must hurt to get beaten by your own son,the pride of your life.But watching you get beaten like that,it was too much for me to take,aunt.You see,you might think that I'm an insolent brat who always gets her way with her father,bullies him around &c.You know what?I couldn't agree with you more,I am spoilt,I am a bully and I am callous time and again.But I realize my mistakes soon enough.You know why?It's because of my parents.They have this amazing quality,they listen to me,understand me.They are kindred spirits,and have what it takes to put up with my torment.I am not here to talk about their greatness to you,aunt,I cannot put it in words.I simply felt too much to see Karthik torment you this way.He has his own personal demons,aunt,everyone does.I know that you may not want to listen to an insolent child speak to you like a beatific old woman,but I cannot help but let you know of my feelings.Yes,my dear aunt,my love for you hasn't changed inspite of the way you questioned my results.It hurt for sure,but I still love you,aunt,for you are as dear to me as my own blood.I can't stand the injustice happening to you,for you are a good woman.Your heart is pure,but for some reason the Lord Almighty hasn't been good to you,I understand your anxiety,your love for him as a mother who protects and shields her child from harm,but aunt,isn't he going too far,given the fact that he is an adult now,and can resolve his own problems?

Aunt,I know that he is doing wrong to you,but I also have a feeling that everything can be set right now,better late than never.I think the solution to it all is a quick ear and a reassuring shoulder.I think he's having his personal problems,aunt,and since he cannot vent it out in words,he puts it into his actions.That's dangerous,to you,your family and his wellbeing.No doctor can put an end to it,aunt,I know.I've had similar problems myself,I had a psychiatrist,but he can't help me thinking like I do now,can he?I worked it out myself.I think you can atleast curb Karthik's urges to hit if you just sit down,relax,and with a calm mind and heart,listen to him.It's hard for people like him,I mean schizophreniacs,to just sit down and open out like I usually do.But let me tell you this,it was hard for me too initally.I couldn't find it in myself to open out to my parents,because at that time,they too,weren't used to hearing me out.The breakthrough came with my will.I forced myself to be in their company for a couple of hours,it was torture for me at that time,for the only thing i wanted then was privacy.It took about a month or two for me to realize that they could be jovial,fun,and I relaxed more in their presence.Try the same way with Karthik,I know he isn't as deep thinking as me,but he too,needs a vent of fresh air after his mind has been polluted with stagnant thoughts.Cleanse him only as a mother can,aunt,he needs it,he's vulnerable as a two year old child without you and your love.But let Uncle Prasad also have a say in the matter.He may be soft,but he is rather wise with h is words.Karthik needs sisterly love as well,and I'm sure Cousin Aparna would do the job pretty easily.It just takes some calming down on your part.His part?Oh well,if you're patient enough in your quest,I'm sure he will calm down eventually.

Oh my dear aunt,I wish with all my heart that life will be better for you,for I cannot see that deathly pallor on your face,it pains me to see your ache,for I love you like my second mother,even if you might shun me.My father burns with the anger of having seen you hurt,and his love happens to be a brotherly love for you alone.But I want to extend the arms of sympathy for all of you,because you are the nearest family to me.My heart tells me of the pain you feel,and I want to hold you all till it goes away,for it goes without saying that:

Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. -- George Burns

And as a mother's heart,I know you feel a lot.

The Great Umbilical
Motherly love is not much use if it expresses itself only as a warm gush of emotion, delicately tinged with pink. It must also be strong, guiding and unselfish. The sweetly sung lullaby; the cool hand on the feverd brow, the Mother's Day smiles and flowers are only a small part of the picture. True mothers have to be made of steel to withstand the difficulties that are sure to beset their children.
- Rachel Billington

God truly be with you,and bless you all the way.

Achingly Yours,

Amru