At the Wake..

8:03 am - I was awaken by a call from my sister. I told them the previous night that I would be spending the Wesak Holiday at a friend's house, obviously to party like mad after working hard the past 2 weeks.

"Grandma has passed on!!" Sheela said while catching her breath..

The words shocked the sleepiness out of me, as I contemplated on my next course of action. It wasn't until 11:00 that I made my way to my Grandma's house in Likas, and what a sad reunion it turned out to be.

You see, I have been one of Grandma's favourite grandchild, but as I grew up, I also grew further apart from my dad's side of my family. Fond memories flushed through my thoughts when I entered the house, amidst the sobs and wails. How I used to love playing until late evening at my grandparent's garden. How my grandma used to kiss and hug me everytime we met. And how fond I was of Grandma's smell when I kissed her. It was all very sad.

My other family members were already there when I arrived. My sisters and mom were all seated in a line on the stairway. My nephew being the little monkey that he is, was oblivious to the emotions felt at that very moment.

Slowly visitors came in and paid their last respect. I was surprised that even for a petite and quiet old lady, my grandma had many visitors. Perhaps it was her easy attitude towards matters and her cooking that made her reputation.

Mmm.. I can easily recall all the curries and dhals, Korma, sambals and murtabak that she made. I always looked forward to Fridays as she would make a large batch of murtabak and dhal that I would eat till I was stuffed. It wasn't the ordinary murtabak you get in Mamak Shops, but the ones that was made with love and care put into it. I used to observe her making murtabak, how she used to take flour out of the flour jar, and get a fresh batch of ghee, how she kneaded the dough to perfection, roll it and then pan bake it. The whole house would have the sweet smell of melted ghee and it meant happiness to me.

Now, her legacy is gone.

Al-Fatihah to Allahyarhamah Hajjah Sarbanun..

You will forever be in our hearts Nek..