When parents divorce children suffer the most, however some of the most inconspicuous casualties are the grandparents. Many times they are forced to take sides, and some are often not permitted to see the children. Some grandparents may harbor resentment because of the ill feelings dredged up by the separation and those feelings are often times associated with the children therefore they tend to sever all ties.

Whatever the reasons were, My Granny Gheeta and I didn’t see much of each other when I was growing up except when she performed her covert missions of trying to see me at the grocery stores or when going to school with my Nanny.

Lately, I have sensed a deeper connection with my Granny Gheeta than I can explain. I guess when one dies they have so much time to reflect, that they ponder about the people they didn’t have a chance to make things right with.

The other day Granny Gheeta visited in the form of a Halogram, she was more beautiful than ever. I was going into my car and I saw these rays of Indian colors, they were like rainbows, purple, pink, red and rays of diamond and gold. It was if she was sitting on a cloud of air. She was dressed like an Imperial Indian Princess with yards and yards of material and her hair was long and flowing. At first, I didn’t recognize the vision of loveliness. I had been driving for a while when I was distracted by extremely long strands of hair. The more I pulled the hair, the more they seemed to keep appearing. Then I looked into my rear view mirror and there she was, Gheeta Mittani, in her splendid Glory.

“I go today with you everywhere!”

I shook my head because I thought that maybe I was tired or hallucinating, but that was not the situation. Granny Gheeta was present and taking up all of my back seat like a bride.

I answered, “Ok. Granny Gheeta , but shouldn’t you be resting someplace?”

“No, I go with you today everywhere, ok Pria?”

I turned on the radio, she began miserably, “Too much western music, what ever happened to songs like “Nanny plant piece of corn by the gully….or sitar music…you no like dat music? “

“That music is fine Granny Gheeta, I will find sitar music when I have the time, okay. Right now I’m on a mission. Sssssh.”

“Okay, I’ll be quiet, but, you need plenty of material darling, you need to wear plenty of beautiful color and material, and what about the bindi?”

I made no comment.

She remained quiet and dormant until I was able to go to work to accomplish my day.

Upon driving home, she returned, pointing out to me…”Where’s your essence, “Mysore, Ylang-Ylang, Gardenia, Indian Women must have an aroma like gardens all the time. “

Then she started with the sniffing.

“I don’t smell no curry……Have you been eating your spices sweetheart? Remember spices are verry good for you, good for your circulation.”

“I know you surprise that Granny Gheeta just appear like dat, but Granny have to remind you about your Indian heritage. “

Then like magic as I was unloading my vehicle, two Bollywood male actors seem to pass by. Granny Gheeta winked at me, don’t you think they’re handsome?

I remarked dryly, “They’re alright, what’s your point?”

“Dere is no point dear, Granny is just conducting her research.

I turned to her, “Well, are you coming in?”

“No, I have preparations to make, things to do. I must go now ……another time.”

Just like that she left, with strands of hair behind. It took me several days to eliminate the reminders my Granny had left behind. That was my confirmation it wasn’t a dream.

The days following , everything I did screamed my Indian Heritage. If I turned on the television, everyone seemed to be wearing bindis on their heads. If I watched the cooking channel they were cooking roti or an Indian meal. I just couldn’t seem to escape the message that Granny Gheeta delivered personally.

My Granny’s appearance was just to remind me that on whatever path I take that I am not alone and that remembering my heritage will set me apart from the rest of the competition.