Mani Foi ki Kahani, unke apne ki Zubaani!!

Mani Foi (92 years) is undoubtedly our princess at PapayaCare! Her younger sister Roshan Foi (90 years) is a fellow resident here and takes great pride in narrating her sister’s story, from whom she has learned many life lessons. Mani Foi has been diagnosed with advanced dementia and now recalls very little.

They grew up in a family of five sisters and three brothers in Ahmedabad. A simple yet forward-thinking Parsi family, their father worked for Nerolac Paints, and their mother was a multitalented homemaker. Mani Foi was always creatively inclined and learned different skills from her mom. She learned stitching, knitting, embroidery, crocheting, baking, etc., and even picked up the piano from a visiting instructor. She stitched to perfection and would design for her family members. All she wanted was to go to Delhi and study design after her 10th. But health issues related to appendicitis surfaced, and in those days, it took a long time to be cured. Not one to be bogged down, even while in hospital, she would knit sweaters for the doctors’ kids on special orders.

While that dream of higher studies remained unfulfilled, she found the man of her dreams – her neighbourhood sweetheart – got married and moved to Mumbai. She always stayed a Bindaas girl, had a large circle of friends, travelled, went on picnics, and was the Jaan of any party. She loved kids, but as they didn’t have their own, her nieces and nephews got not just a big share of her love but also Mani’s unique, ultra-modern clothes. She lost her husband at the young age of 44. She had led a pampered and secure life, and this sudden loss left her completely unsure of her future, until her sister-in-law motivated her to start working and use her talents.

Thus began a new journey of cooking and baking for select elite clients in Mumbai. Her puddings, cakes, and Mughlai dishes were a hot favourite among the variety she offered. She even designed and stitched western outfits, dresses and gowns to order. A stickler for perfection, she soon embraced financial independence and creative adventures fearlessly. Her childlike naughty aura remained intact, making her such an endearing personality. Even when she came to PapayaCare just a few years back, she was always keen to ride pillion with staff to nearby shops or dancing away to music at all events. Though she has now slowed down and lost most of her memories, she continues to reign over and rule our hearts at PapayaCare. We remain grateful for all the cheers and happiness she brought into our lives. Have a peep at some moments of Mani’s Magic!!! ❤

Disclaimer: Most of the stories are told by the seniors themselves and stay true to their dil-se narrations.