The relationship between a mother and daughter is like no other – and the bond lasts forever.
Deciphering the infinity symbol doubled – two everlasting commitments, combined. Two individuals, who have dedicated their lives to separate paths and have come together as one. The essence of this strong connection and pure love is difficult to comprehend. Mothers and daughters are gifted with this double infinity.
Referencing characters from modern-day sitcoms and movies will make this easier to experience while you read on: Aisha and her determined mum in The Sky Is Pink, Anna and Tess exchanging souls in Freaky Friday, classic Donna with her daughter in Mamma Mia!, Susan Sarandon in Stepmom or even mother-of-the-year Kirron Kher in Khoobsurat and Sridevi leaving us speechless in Mom.
If you resonated with even one of these examples, you understand. For me, it was Susan Sarandon and little Jena Malone; the perfectly imperfect duo. The love, the tension, the hate, the excitement. There’s a bundle of emotions that we go through when we think of our mothers, or in return, our daughters. And when I think of mine, I think ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’
The mother-daughter relation is sacred. A deeper meaning of the infinity symbol is the existence of simplicity and balance in a world of chaos, distraction and complication. The words “Mom” or “Marmee” or “Mama” feel like comfort. They feel like home. A source of wisdom, understanding, friendship and deep affection. A safety net, that will always be there.
Recounting days in school where I would hurt both knees repeatedly playing basketball in the rains, or in college when I just discovered alcohol. I still would be the child that my mother would pick up after. Of course, the hell rained down on me was a different case altogether; but the love still showed. Until recently, when I decided to move out in 2019, owing to a family conflict. Silently against the idea, but accepted just to see me at peace. According to me, this was the ultimate that my mother could have ever given me. (Marriages are an unnecessary thought for us, and never pushed upon us!).
Having emphasized on the beauty and love in the power of a mother-daughter duo, is the relationship perfect? No, it isn’t. No mother has a perfect relationship with her daughter. The intertwining of their experiences helps them learn from each other. This is what makes the double infinity so exquisite – blending personalities, opinions, ideals and habits into one. Your mom is always someone you will need, at the end of the day. And the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, is what they say!
So, what does the present-day relationship between mothers and daughters look like? It looks a lot like acceptance. In times of disagreement, confusion, growth and change, one thing remains constant, the desire to be loved for who you are. As a daughter myself, I can vouch for this! My mother’s hug is all I need to fill any kind of void, unpleasantness or sadness in my heart. Life gets brighter with a simple meal of dal chawal with my mama. Changing with time is so important because that sets the tone for all relationships in one’s life. This change is embraced, by mothers a lot more than fathers, with open arms – for the smile on their baby’s face.
Often, daughters are more in search of a mom’s blessing than her feedback. This is unspoken love, the purest form of it, which is double infinity-d into the life of a mother. It is unconditional, ever-growing, ever-changing and adapting to anything and everything life throws at her or her daughter. As the years go by, this act of infinite love comes naturally to the daughter, caring for her precious and angel mommy.
And finally, like mother – like daughter is a phrase that encompasses everything you just read. It is the core of the infinite love that doubles up the beauty in this relationship. Never-ending symbol of angelic affection is a different kind of powerful!
So, while I find yet another way to hassle my mother, I think you should give ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ a go. It really does make you dance your heart out!
Written By Anisha Masand
Week 46, November ’20
