She comes in, stocky, well-oiled, her energy a few steps ahead of her- a colourful band stretched across her flattened hair, tied back with a cheap floral scrunch and a smile adorning her face, as always. ‘Sawadee Khao’, she yells, and folds her soft, podgy hands in a customary Thai salutation. I welcome her too, with a wide grin and just as loud and cheerful a greeting in return. We’ve established this routine over months of regular ’therapy’.
She’s one of those old souls whose entry in our home is welcoming bounty and wellness.
That’s who Kanika, my masseuse is.
So, you’ve got a visual too, have you not? And, the beauty of a visual is the power with which it conjures up images.
Everything about Kanika is a visual; visions of a beach, in mellow sunlight, the sound of gently crashing waves, and a breeze that lulls. Her massage balm throws up a perfume, reminiscent of an old Ayurvedic era. She’s all voice and body, and there’s no mistaking the fact that she’s an old school exorcist, no less.
Today’s masseuse is slim, tall, bony and strong. Kanika, as a contrast, is strong and supple, but her physicality belies what she brings visually. Like a true messiah, she helps relieve tension and built-up stress. She’s my go-to on down days; luminescence breaking through a cloudy day, and nothing at all like any woman who sits outside the downtown massage parlours, all cleavage and leggy, luring clients with a ‘Sawadee-khaa’ and a glad eye!
The visual of Kanika isn’t particularly appealing, if you stop at what you see: she’s short-statured and almost plump, with rough facial features. And her voice is high-pitched. You could pass her by on a street and not know what a Wonder Woman she is. However, once you’ve been under her almost-maternal care, you truly learn of the beauty of the woman, of her capabilities and her tenderness. Her unfailing appeal lies in her hands actually, and not in the visual, since oftentimes, first impressions are perhaps the last you should count on, they are utterly deceptive.
So, while Kanika’s visual might have you mistake her for a street vendor, doling out hot, fried chicken- you only really get to know her undeniable prowess when she squeezes those pain points: the released stress is tangibly gratifying, as the strained and the pinched nerves, find succor. She binds you in a spell. Her expertise comes from years of toil- which she turned into pleasure.
Kanika is the only earning member of her family, and she is around sixty-five years old. Again, on seeing her, you would imagine her far less rigorous at her job- but believe you me, she’s a sturdy, reliable masseuse whose presence is a blessing.
Kanika entered my life, when it was normal, a normal you could count on, and predict. She continued to be in it, even when life spiraled out of control and turned into something with powerful tentacles; a creature that could crush your spirit, without warning.
She tells me that come what may, she’ll be the rock I can count on, even as life’s gulleys meander along unknown and unpredictable patterns.
May the likes of Kanika thrive in these strange and unpredictable times, when there are only so many events you can count on- and her presence is one of them.
©kamalininatesan
Makes me want to foot massage very, very badly! I have had good massages, but Kanika sounds like nothing I have ever experienced. Something to look forward to someday.
I love it. And I agree totally…..visuals are quite deceptive…but then they are so, coz we attach certain things with certain visuals. Only if we all have open minds…..we can find that each and everyone of us do things which don’t fall under the regular norms of our perceived personality.
sweet and a short read.
I love the bond you have formed with Kanika.
Kanika reminded me of Shanta bai my masseuse in mumbai.she was also very old but had magical hands.
Bless these women🙏
Bless these women indeed, what magic their hands wield. Thank you for reading and loving Kanika….
Enjoyed reading about Kanika. Could visualize her and you in your house. Enjoy reading these little nuggets about your life.
Yes Max, someday have her over and try her out. I hope you get your foot massage very soon my dear friend. Thanks for reading and liking Kanika.
Kanika sounds like a Godsent! Ahh I so want a massage now! You so well described the age old maternal massage women we used to have in India as well Kay! Just the thing needed for aching body and souls!!
True Nidhi, she is Godsent! I used to have one in India too, by the name Alia…just the thing needed for a peaceful end to a day….thank you!
What a great story. We all need Kanika in our life
Thanks for reading it Andrea. Yes, I’m sure you have one somewhere in town, do you not?
Beautifully written. And visualised by me. And and I want a massage like NOW!!
I’m sure you’ll get one soon enough Sumi. I’m glad you enjoyed the write-up. Thank you!
Such a lovely description of Kanika! I’ve had many a foot massage, but haven’t had a steady masseuse like her yet. She seems like a comforting cup of chai on a nippy morning.
Very well written Kay. Couldn’t agree more. Nothing like a good massage to relieve stress. It’s also amazing how good human beings with no prior connections become rocks in our lives . Hats off to Kanika
So beautifully written Kay! The quintessential Malish wali comes to life and I yearn for a massage too.
These people become a part of our lives