Kathmandu :

It was really unbelievable for me to hear that I had become an aunt. As I was not here, I was very curious to see the face of my new born niece ‘Chunu’, and when I did, I cannot describe how I felt. There was no limit how happy my mother was. This might be because that little baby was her first grand daughter.

It seemed like Chunu was born only yesterday but then she had already become a year old. She spent most of her time with us seeming not to even care much for her mother. Perhaps mamaghar (maternal home) is the loveliest world for her. Days went by and she started speaking. Though the words were unclear, they were music to our ears. I used to even forget to eat and drink when I was with her.

She called me ‘Kalu Mamu’ in her sweet voice and those became the most precious words for me.

Then one day my sister came with the news that she would be going to the US with Chunu to join her husband (my brother-in-law). I was happy but sad at the same time that Chunu is be leaving us.

Tears rolled down by cheeks and I felt as if my heart had broken into tiny pieces. But then I convinced myself that our love is not enough for her. She should not be deprived of her chance of good education.

With tears in my eyes, I bade Chunu and my sister goodbye praying for their safe journey.

Two years have gone by, but I can still clearly see Chunu waving her farewell.

My sister calls me at least thrice a week and each time I talk with my dearest niece. My sister says she has changed a lot.

Her unclear Nepali language has completely turned into fluent English. Though she still calls me Kalu Mamu instead of Kabu Mamu, which is more than enough for me.

Sometimes I am afraid she won’t recognise me when she comes back. I hope her stay in the US will prove to be a boon for her. I am waiting for that beautiful moment when

I meet my lovely niece Chunu again.