The youngest boy in my mama-mami’s family was a truly gifted individual, almost a wizard in some ways. He had an impeccable sense of style and was always immaculately dressed. His pants and shirts were always crisply ironed with sharp creases, his shirt neatly tucked in, complemented by a perfectly worn belt. His shoes? They were so vigorously polished you could practically see your reflection in them. Even his socks never had an accidental crumple. This just goes to show that money isn’t necessary for such neat dressing—what’s needed is taste and effort.

He was also an expert with paper and cardboard, crafting models with ease. Whatever you needed, he could make it. This skill made him especially popular with younger kids.

During Navratri, when Tamil families would display golu—a traditional arrangement of dolls and figurines on a step-like stand—he would take a different approach. While others might simply display figurines, he would create entire small towns or forests filled with animals, all meticulously crafted by hand. Visitors were always in awe of his creativity and self-taught skills.

During Diwali, he would make his own fireworks, specifically flowerpots (a type of firework). He was very particular—no one was allowed to interfere with his process. Using chemical powders and other materials that I still don’t understand, he would pack the flowerpots himself. They were large, colorful, and always worked perfectly without a single misfire. His creations were the talk of the neighborhood, and everyone gathered to watch. Where did he learn all this? No one knew.

One year during Diwali, he even built a small shed-like structure and conducted a puppet show from behind it—all planned and executed by him. He was a quiet, calm, composed, and extremely friendly boy.

I’ve never seen him mishandle anything in the house. Whether it was the radio, the iron box, or even furniture, everything he touched remained in perfect condition, shining like new. He ensured others handled things with the same care and respect.

Continued in 194. Only Ones - Part 4