A letter of love to my Amma who sleeps with Agatha Christie

If you’ve known my Amma well, you’re sure to have been regaled with her stories of being a monster in school. She rarely misses the opportunity to tell you about how she would roll in the mud on the streets of T. Nagar and fight to go to Holy Angles Convent. She likes to think that she’s the devil.

Some excerpts:

"Surya- you know- the actor? He used to practice Silambam in the terrace next to mine. He was really young and nobody would give him much attention. We would be chilling in my terrace which was the fun spot"

"Did you know I was offered a role in a movie? Chichu's father was a producer and thought I should be introduced as the next big thing. Enga appa enna veetu vittu vella poga sollirupar. Sanju, what would you have done if you had a film star as a mum? You would have been spoilt"

"Paati never knew about the times I ate chicken at Deepa's place. It required climbing the gate and everything. I was cool back then. But did you also know the number of kuttus that I've gotten"

"Yeah, I had a couple of boys who were friends but only one serious 'boyfriend' before I got married. Why do you want so many details?"

"Birdie miss used to tell me I was a donkey in class because I would sleep. I think books have that effect on me. Sleeping pills. Thooka matharai. Who reads books like yours. Chee. Looks like a pillow"

"One life. Can't waste by reading books"

Today however, she has announced that she's going to read a book. She says she is growing old and wants to seem wise to the outside world.

More excerpts,

"Ei, Odyssey poriya? Can you pick up a saucy book. Like Sydney Sheldon. With murder and matter. Unfortunately, it's the only thing that makes me read"

"Oh. No shops. Okay fine, I'll read the Agatha Christie that has been rotting in the cupboard. Let's all hope I finish this"

"Sanju! When did begin I sleeping? I've been lying on my kannadi. Why didn't you wake me up? Agatha is making me sleep"

"Amma, do you realise you are sleeping with Agatha. Everyday"

She yawns and looks around.

"Chi podi"

She's asleep again.