The Unpaid Therapist: A Letter from Tiger Cubs Mumma to Lion Cub Mumma

Dearest Lion Cub’s (Simba) Mumma,

From the moment we first crossed paths, knowingly or unknowingly, you became my guiding angel, a light in my life and now as mothers a therapist. You continue to be that steadfast presence, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.  

Has anyone ever told you how irreplaceable and incomparable you are as a best friend? Because you truly are. You excel in every relationship you hold, but the way you define and uphold friendship is something rare and magical. It’s a gift that not many possess, and one that I cherish deeply.  

The best version of yourself is nothing short of extraordinary—a priceless treasure.  

You may not realize this, but I can hear the unspoken feelings in your heart, even when you wear a brave smile on the outside. Through thick and thin, we’ve had each other’s backs, and I find strength in knowing that bond is unshakable.  

Your pure prayers and wishes for my life have manifested magically. The things you wished for me, the things you couldn't have for yourself but hoped I would, are such a blessing. I am truly grateful for your love and the way you’ve manifested such beautiful things in my life.  

I close my eyes and think of how you must have faced challenging situations during the important phases of your life. The way you find a solution and embrace a "let go" attitude gives me immense confidence and inspiration to navigate my own struggles. Your resilience is a constant reminder of the strength we all have within us.  

It might seem unusual to celebrate you in a blog, but I want my gratitude to reach beyond words spoken in private. I want the world to know how much you mean to me. I want them to take a lesson from the unconditional love, compassion, and care you give so effortlessly to everyone around you.  

This blog is mainly focused on and admired for the motherhood phase I have seen you go through—where you have stood tall as a warrior and a superwoman. Watching you embrace this role with such grace, strength, and love has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. You are a living testament to what it means to be both nurturing and fierce, tender and strong.  

You are nothing but a sister from another mother, I can truly say. I am blessed beyond measure to have you in my life—someone who shares a bond of love and trust, though not by blood, but by the heart.  

I hope this piece of writing touches your heart and reminds you, even in your lowest moments, that you are cherished, admired, and loved unconditionally and eternally. May these words bring you comfort, warmth, and a reminder that someone treasures you beyond what words can ever express.  

This Christmas and New Year, I want to celebrate you—not just as the incredible person you are—but as the Secret Santa we all silently wish for. You may not come bearing wrapped presents or grand gestures, but your quiet acts of kindness, your ability to listen, and your unwavering care are the greatest gifts anyone could ever receive.  

With love and gratitude,  

Tigers Ki Maa
(Someone who is endlessly thankful for you.)

What qualities in a friendship do you cherish the most, and how do you nurture them?

How do you celebrate the people in your life who make a difference, even in small ways?

यस्य मित्रेण सम्भाषा यस्य मित्रेण संस्थितिः । यस्य मित्रेण संलापः ततो नास्तीह पुण्यवान् ॥

Hindi Translation:
जिसका मित्र के साथ सम्भाषण है, जिसका मित्र के साथ वास है, जिसकी मित्र के साथ चर्चा होती है, उससे अधिक कोई पुण्यवान नहीं है।

English Translation:
No one can be deemed to have earned more merit in this world than the who converses with her/his friend, who lives with her/his friend and who discusses issues with her/his friend.

The All-New 33

With a blurred view and a tender touch, all I yearned for was to heal quickly and rise strong as I was a day before. My heart was overflowing with gratitude and love. Thoughts of forgiveness and letting go raced through my mind, mixed with sudden tears of joy, sorrow, fear, and nervousness. My deepest desire was to create a beautiful, healthy, and protective world for my two little tiger cubs.

Criticism and judgmental comments rained down on me, as though I hadn't just undergone major surgery but rather returned from a carefree vacation abroad. That night signified the beginning of a new chapter, a life unfolding in ways I had never dreamed possible. A torrent of mixed emotions surged through me, yet I swiftly regained my footing, balancing nourishment, managing responsibilities, and handling duties in a seamless flow.

My sole focus and goal were my twin daughters, determined not to be swept away by the surrounding turmoil. Our choices and preferences aren't just characteristics; they define our personality and unique traits that set us apart from others. Connecting all the dots from my past to shape my current life and future family feels surreal. Understanding the nature and purpose of life reveals a truth that is both bitter and sweet. Now I understand why I loved the school poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost so much. Every aspect of the poem feels perfectly explained to me now.

Giving birth, I found myself transformed, like a newborn discovering the world anew. Day by day and through baby steps, I learned the profound lessons of humanity and the importance of family, much like a newborn follows the guidance of parents and elders. The struggle and pain were undeniably real. Each morning, crying like a baby in front of my elder sister secretly in a room while she was dressing my stitches seemed like the only option to gather the strength needed to survive the day.

Comparing day by day and month by month with other parents who didn't realize I was new to this journey was painful. Instead of support, I faced hurtful societal and egoistic conflicts. Fortunately, I rely on my own discernment to differentiate between those who offer valuable insights and those who do not. It's a challenging situation as I often have to deal with their foolish behavior, simply because I'm surrounded by them. Even with the support of loved ones helping me through, I was and am ultimately the one who must fight and survive.

The innocence and presence of my cubs shielded me from negativity, reminding me of my strength as their warrior mother. I've also learned to love and nurture my first home—my body—helping it heal and recover at its own pace. In reality, post-birth, the body is adorned with many beautiful marks of motherhood like stretch marks, loose skin, joints, and back pain.

Your birthing story is uniquely yours, understood by you in a way that no one else, not even your closest loved ones, can fully comprehend. Embrace, honor, and celebrate your body's incredible ability in recognizing the sacredness of your body to bring new life into existence, honoring its strength and resilience. Simultaneously celebrating every milestone of growth with my twin cubs made my first year of birthing feel flawless and deeply grateful.

People and societal expectations, often masked, can impose many traits and pressures. It's crucial to choose your environment wisely, as it can impact not just you but also your children. Monitoring my recovery month by month felt like assessing my health in a continuous examination. Realizing that no matter how much effort or care you give, the body heals and recovers according to its own pace and needs. That's the essence of how both nature and humans function.

As nearly a year has passed, I am incredibly grateful to my body, spouse, family, and friends for their unwavering support that has brought me to where I am today. Their love, encouragement, and understanding have been instrumental in my journey, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their presence in my life.

Reflecting on the challenges I face now, every small thing that used to upset or anger me seems trivial compared to the intensity of giving birth and dealing with stitches. It's a powerful reminder of the resilience I discovered during those moments and puts current issues into perspective. In hindsight, it's amazing to see how every seemingly random dot in our past connects when we embark on creating our own family and forging our path in life.

My priorities have completely shifted to the essentials: food, shelter, clothing, and family. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in life centered around simplicity, focusing on basic needs, and striving for a healthy and happy existence. Motherhood has truly given me a new lease on life. I embrace this transformation wholeheartedly, cherishing every moment and practicing gratitude for the privilege of what I have today. It's a journey filled with profound meaning and joy, and I am grateful for every opportunity it brings.

Accepting the roles of our loved ones in each phase of life holds a profound truth, resonating with the essence of Sudha Murthy's book title, "Attachment with Detachment." It beautifully encapsulates the idea of loving deeply while also letting go when necessary, navigating life's transitions with grace and understanding.

Your powerful instincts and gut feelings hold the answers to all your confusions, questions, and prayers. Trust in them, for they are the guiding light within you.

'नास्ति मातृसमा छाया, नास्ति मातृसमा गतिः। नास्ति मातृसमं त्राण, नास्ति मातृसमा प्रिया।।

nāsti mātṛsamaṃ trāṇaṃ nāsti mātṛsamā prapā॥ 

 Hindi Translation: माता के समान कोई छाया नहीं, कोई आश्रय नहीं, कोई सुरक्षा नहीं। माता के समान इस विश्व में कोई जीवनदाता नहीं॥

English translation: There is no shade like a mother, no resort-like a mother, no security like a mother, no other ever-giving fountain of life.

Your unwavering support and love have been the cornerstone of my journey. I am immensely grateful for your presence in my life, guiding me with your wisdom and kindness. Thank you for being my pillars of strength.

• My Mother
• Jaanu (Tigers ke Papa)⁠
• ⁠Siblings
• ⁠Dharm Bhai Surya 
• Dr. Madhuri (gynaecologist)
• Dr. Sheila Tanwade (gynaecologist)
• ⁠Guddi (Swetha Ganesh)
• Shaboo Rani (Shabnam Irfan)
• Amy (Amrita Thomas) 
• ⁠Smicha (Smita Suraj)
• ⁠Vincy (Vauhini)
• ⁠Soumya Kiran