My Riya

The Strongest Soul I Know You never asked for appreciation. You just kept showing up. Even on weekends, even during your notice period—while others slowed down, you kept going. Quietly. Sincerely. Like always. You’ve been the kind of woman who doesn’t just carry her own weight, but lifts others up without anyone noticing. You’ve always said, “I don’t have a good sense of humour.” But how do you explain the way you laughed at my worst jokes? At “Ground to Earth,” at “JD,” at “Hawa mai udna”—like it was the funniest thing ever. Maybe you didn’t laugh at the jokes. Maybe you laughed because you knew I was trying, for you. You used to roll your eyes when I called you the “strong, independent woman.” But a part of you—maybe the part that never got enough appreciation—wanted to hear it. So I kept saying it. Again and again. Not because it was funny. But because it was true. Because someone had to remind you who you are. You never asked to be admired. But how could anyone not? The way you han...