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Khabi Khabie Mere Dil Mein...


Sometimes the thought crosses my mindthat you've been made just for me.Before this, you were dwelling somewhere in the stars;you were summoned to earth just for me...
Sometimes the thought crosses my mind
that this body and these eyes are kept in trust for me
that the dark shadows of your hair are for my sake alone,
that these lips and these arms are charged to my care...

These are the first two verses (translated) of one of my mom's favourite songs- Khabi Khabie, from the movie of the same name. The song was written by poet Sahir Ludhianvi with music composed by Mohammed Zahar Khaiyamm and sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Mukesh. It is such a beautiful, soul-baring and hair-raising love song. Here is a picture of my mom surrounded by the flowers she loved, for her 60th birthday. She died 5 years later. Ironically, she never knew what the lyrics meant.

Today marks 7 years since she died, but some of the things I have to be grateful for are:
- We had a loving relationship but not always peaceful
- She was able to see how I turned out and I hope she was proud of me and my choices
- She was able to hold her first grandson before she died
- We got a chance to do many mother-daughter things together. Memories I still have, of going to cloth stores, going to teas, having her lean on me..just once
- I think I understood my mother. As I've gotten older and as a mother myself, I think the picture becomes clearer.

One of the most important things I have remaining of my mother is her little recipe book. A small 2"x4" notebook with her uneven writing (she left school at around 13 years, so her handwriting suffered). I've never made anything from her recipe book, but I think this is the year I will try - my mom was a most excellent cook which I never truly appreciated until I started cooking.

In the meantime, I will go and listen to Khabi Khabie and let the tears flow.

To listen to the song, go here. The quality might not be excellent- the movie was released in 1976.
There are slightly different translations, but I like this one, so go here for a translation of the lyrics, and for the poet Sahir Ludhianvi reading his poem go here.

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Comments

Savi said…
Hi Sally,

I miss your mum too - she was a wonderful person. She (and your dad) always made me feel like part of the family when I came to visit. And I agree, her cooking was excellent!

I feel all nostalgic now after listening to that Youtube clip - I remember my mum singing that song around the house when I was little.

Take care,
Savi
10 August 2009 at 10:34
gitm said…
hey, I also think of her when I hear the song. I think we were fortunate for having her as a mother. Your comments certainly brings back mixed feelings...but none negative.
T
10 August 2009 at 14:36
Aels said…
Just so beautiful - in every way
11 August 2009 at 09:24
Greta said…
What a lovely and moving tribute to your Mom. Though I never met her, your words and sentiments brought tears to my eyes.
11 August 2009 at 11:39
Austin Trini said…
I appreciate everyone's thoughtful comments and they reminded me again how blessed I was to have time with her. But it never is really enough is it?
12 August 2009 at 20:52
Unknown said…
Hi Sal,

I was knocked over reading your blog for the 1st time yesterday, - your Mom was a gem, and now you have a different set of challenges;.....whats your song?
17 August 2009 at 18:43
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