Champaklal Speaks

Appreciation of the Beautiful

Mother never failed to notice anything beautiful and express her appreciation of it. It might be just a wrapping paper; still, if it was attractive, she would remark upon that.

You know how Silloo, the sister of Soli Albless¹, used to bring a lot of things wrapped in beautiful paper and elegantly arranged. They were all samples of items sold in her boutique. Mother used to be very happy on seeing them; quite often she would appreciate the wrapper more than the thing inside!

I would always stand by her side watching with pleasure. Once seeing my expression, Mother told Silloo: “You know Champaklal has as much love for paper as I have.”

The German couple, Eckhard and his wife, were also bringing things beautifully packed and it was a joy to see Mother's happiness.

Nothing would escape her notice. Even with letters, it was so—she noted the handwriting, the size of the letters, the direction of the lines, the flourish of the signature, etc., commenting at the same time with expressive gestures. Sometimes it would be: “Very tidy man; an orderly man!” Sometimes she would take back the letter saying, “Let me see, let me see,” and then observe: “Arrogant... puffed-up” or “Confused mind” or “Disorderly nature” and so forth.