My precious little doll

From when I was small kid, I remember Eeti mahi arriving every year around the months of May – June. I used to look forward to her and my little brother and sister with eager eyes and outstretched arms. The first gift I always got from her, the minute she alighted the train or plane, was a very warm hug.

And then the fun days would start where Vicky, Minnie and I would rush around our home doing anything we wanted (everything we wanted, actually!). They always stayed at Shillong for the summer holidays but we did get them at our place for a few days at least. I would never let them leave if I could have my say in it. Coming from Jammu (the city of temples), they even found Guwahati to be pleasant (Jammu is really hot, trust me I know) and Shillong, to be heaven.

Shillong really is the Scotland of the East, not to mention heaven in some ways. The temperature is mild, the streets clean, the air is pure, no pollution, no humidity… there’s not much traffic. People there make it a point to walk all the time. I love Shillong and so do they. After all, we have our home in Shillong.

There’s another thing about Eeti mahi… she pampers, us kids, silly. She’s like my Good luck charm + Santa Clause as she never forgets to bring a gift for me and I really love every single thing. Minnie and I used to (we still do) love Barbie dolls. And I can still remember how we used to play with them. Dressing them up, combing their hair, getting them ready to go out with us. I always drew pictures of dolls, which Minnie loved to colour and keep. Vicky and I played chess most of the times, but it was with Minnie that I shared a somewhat more special bond, which has only strengthened with time.

Now, as I recollect those memories, I can’t imagine how much she’s grown up. That little girl by my side playing Barbie dolls with me has turned into a lovely person, understanding and compassionate, loving and caring. I never realized something which I do now… Barbie was just another doll in the market… my real doll, my precious little doll has always been right beside me holding my hand and looking up at me with love in her eyes and saying ‘Barbie ba, let’s play!’