Her ability to peel back layer after layer of her experience of the world, revealing a raw emotion that was often challenging, added a fascinating complexity to her character.
Her remarkable talent for changing the narratives, ascribing hitherto unseen motives to characters in the play, never ceased to amaze me.
The lack of recognition for her diverse talents felt deeply unjust, especially considering how she fearlessly challenged comfort zones with her probing questions and insightful analysis.
Yet, I never stood by her knowing she could tear me to pieces with her sharp criticism. I alluded the scorpion sting to her zodiac sign, but it often felt more venomous than that.
Nobody could make a “panchrangi paratha” (a flaky, flat bread with five layers and four sandwiched fillings) better than my mother, where the myriad layers revealed a different flavour in each bite.
Creative Experiments and More 
Shakespeare said an ungrateful child is sharper than a serpent’s tooth. A parent can be just as sharp and just as venomous.
Although I agree, it sounds like your mother was an excellent cook.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, she was 😀 Thanks, Mimi!
LikeLike
Your mother’s panchrangi paratha sounds delicious. I am dying to know what fillings are in there..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Potatoes, cauliflower mince, shredded cottage cheese and onions. There are non-veg versions with mince and onions in alternate layers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my goodness. That sounds wonderful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
One’s body can be healed of a scorpion’s sting, but one’s mind through memory can be deeply poisoned by sharp criticism.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. Words are lethal weapons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It takes some time to learn to pick and choose amongst the offerings our parents present. Always go for the delicious, flaky ones!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a good way to survive 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps the best? 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yess..😀😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
All very interesting, Reena, but you know what I will say… it’s the last sentence – suddenly I’m hungry, and that will be delicious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. The memory still makes me hungry too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an awesome description. You packed so much into so few sentences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person