Despite a life spent within the confines of the house, Amma, like all good mothers neither complained nor sought any comforts. In fact, her only indulgence in life, sweets have also been snatched away by diabetes. Low in sugar and in energy, she still feels the constant need to be of some help to her children, while refusing any assistance herself. My mother, like many women, is an incorrigible mother. Like many mothers, she has devoted her life to home and hearth.

As a woman, a daughter and a would-be mother, I have tremendous respect for all full-time mothers. However, I wish these amazing women knew that motherhood is a highly idealised cultural script, and it is okay to lower the bar, come out of the character and breathe easy.