Joy Family

Becoming Jerusha - Joy Family

Part 21: “When Strangers See You First”

The Return of a Forgotten Aunty

It was a humid Tuesday evening in September when Maria excitedly called Jerusha from the kitchen.

“Jerukutty, clean your room da. My cousin Thangam Akka is landing today from Sydney. Last she saw you, you were a baby pa… she’s coming with her husband and son, they’ll be staying here for a week.”

Jerusha stood there frozen in her loose pink top and floral capris, her camisole strap accidentally slipping off her shoulder. The butterflies in her stomach buzzed louder than ever.

“She thinks… she still thinks Jerusha is alive?” he asked, his voice dropping.

Maria turned, wiping her hands on her towel. “Of course. We never told anyone . Why would we? We got her back, didn’t we?” she smiled gently, placing a kiss on her cheek. “And you’re my kutty now.”

She couldn't argue. It was too late.

Their Arrival

The black Audi came to a slow halt by the gate of Joy Villa around 5:45 PM. Jerusha was already in the living room, but the moment she saw unfamiliar faces stepping out - a tall, posh-looking couple and a lanky teenage boy - her heart raced.

Without thinking, she darted behind her mother’s pallu, like a shy child hiding from guests.

Stephen laughed softly. “Dei, don’t hide like that. She’s family.”

Thangam Akka stepped in with the smell of duty-free perfume and years of distance. Her heels clicked on the tile. Her perfectly styled hair bounced as she exclaimed, “Jeruuuu! My God, you’ve grown into such a little angel!”

Jerusha peeked out from behind Maria.

She was wearing a sky-blue midi with white floral embroidery, her hair braided in a single plait with blue ribbon, and a tiny sapphire stud glittered on her ear.

She forced a shy smile.

“Awwwwwwwwwwww!” Thangam Akka shrieked. “You’re the exact same little cherub I left behind. Cheeks rounder now though!” She pinched her nose affectionately. “Come come, give aunty a hug!”

Jerusha stepped forward nervously and accepted the tight hug. Her cross-chain pressed against her chest. Her hands fidgeted behind her back.

Her son - a boy maybe 13 - peeked from behind his father's legs.

“Hello Akka…” he said softly, looking at her glittery anklets.

Kathir blinked.

He called me… Akka.

Maria beamed with pride. “That’s right, she’s your Akka. Jerukutty, show him your room after tea, okay?”

Gifts and Chocolates

After settling in, Thangam Akka called her to the sofa.

“Jeruu, I didn’t forget you. Look what I got for my niece.”

She opened a soft Zara bag and pulled out a small pink frock with ribbon lace, another floral midi, a lavender hoodie with bunny ears, and two gift boxes of Cadbury Dairy Milk Silk and Lindt chocolates.

“And here,” she grinned, “a tiny perfume just for your school bag!”

Jerusha smiled, cheeks flushed. She could feel the gaze of the boy - her “thambi” - watching her quietly from the armchair.

Stephen was busy clicking candid pictures from his phone. “Smile Jeru! One photo with aunty!”

Click.
Click.
Click.

Later, Jerusha texted her friend: They really believe I’m Jerusha. Even strangers. Even their relatives.

Her friend only replied: Take care…

Bonding Moments

The days passed quickly. The visiting family adored Jerusha.

They took her and the boy to Express Avenue Mall, where Thangam bought her matching sneakers, pastel clips, and even got them both cotton candy.

“Akka, you look like a cartoon girl!” the boy giggled.

Jerusha blushed. “You too!”

Stephen smiled at the sight of them posing for a photo together - the little ‘siblings’ of Joy Villa.

They even forced Jerusha to sit in a “Kiddy Nail Spa Chair” at the mall. She laughed through the embarrassment, legs dangling, as pink nail paint was applied.

At home, they played board games, had biriyani nights, and went on evening walks with umbrellas.

Maria, one night, walked into Jerusha’s room to see her painting with the boy.

“My darling kutty is babysitting too now?” she teased.

The boy piped up, “She’s the best akka!”

Jerusha smiled. And this time, it didn’t feel fake.

The Day They Left

On Sunday morning, the bags were packed.

As the car engine revved, Jerusha stood at the entrance, arms crossed, tears welling in her eyes. She didn’t speak.

The boy ran back, hugged her, and said, “Bye Akka… I’ll miss you.”

Thangam Akka hugged her tightly again. “You’re the soul of this house, kanna. Never change.”

After they left, Jerusha quietly walked inside. Her feet echoed in the silence.

Then, she sat down on the floor, pulled her knees to her chest, and began crying.

Stephen came near, knelt beside her.

“Aiyyo, kanna… they’ll come again soon.”

She sobbed harder.

He wiped her tears with a tissue, picked her up like a small girl, and carried her to the couch.

“Appa will take you to Australia soon. Promise. My baby girl will travel like a little queen.”

Maria, watching from the hallway, chuckled and said, “You’re spoiling her too much da.”

“Anything for my toddler,” Stephen grinned and gently tickled Jerusha’s stomach.

She burst into laughter through tears. “Appaaaa!”

They all smiled.

That night, another photo joined the wall - Jerusha in her bunny hoodie, the boy beside her, Thangam Akka’s arm around them, a rainbow cake in front.

Below it, a golden frame:
“Family, Wherever They May Be – Joy.”