Daadi Maa's Diary of Secrets

Picture Books for Big Kids and Adults, Book 1

By: Monita Kumari

Narrated by: Priya Khajuria

Length: 15 mins

Publisher's summary

Daadi Maa’s Diary Of Secrets Why does Daadi Maa pinch so compulsively? Join Vivek as he secretly reads Daadi Maa's diary and learns about the tragedy that fell upon her when she was a young girl. But will tragedies tear apart his family or bring them together?

Seven year old Vivek thinks his Daadi Maa is a mean old lady until he finds her diary. Although the first few entries are hilarious to him, Vivek soon realizes it was not meant to be funny. As he reads on, he recognizes that Daadi Maa is trapped in a vicious cycle. Her obsessive pinching is a coping mechanism. Although Daadi Maa has persevered outwardly, she still suffers silently.

The diary brings the issue to the forefront and light is finally shed on the death of Daadi Maa’s brother Bhola, which is the crux of the problem. It also brings attention to the guilt she feels about the death of her son - Vivek’s father. Although Vivek’s mother has forgiven her, the fact remains that the last conversation Daadi Maa had with Vivek’s father was an argument about her pinching habit - which is why she cannot forgive herself.

It is only after Vivek finds the diary that Daadi Maa faces her guilt. Here, she finally realizes that she doesn’t have to do it alone. She has a smart, educated family that will support her and love her as she is. No one will think less of her. All she needs to do is open up and ask for help even if not in those exact words.

©2024 Monita Kumari (P)2024 Monita Kumari