As I stood waiting for my dear Guru at Midway Airport in Chicago, I realised that it was a long two and a half years since I last saw her! What a wonderful stay this was going to be, almost incredible! Thanks to some very dedicated efforts on Jaishree's part (a fact that Aunty only reiterated about a million times during those 8 days with me) and Ms. Anita Ratnam, Aunty was on a two-month long tour of the United States. I thank her for being able to fit in Chicago.

Aunty has always been even more than Guru to me ... neighbour, guide, my second mother. It was a thrilling experience to have her in my home; to have my children interact with their Aunty Patti! They knew her from a photograph that sits lovingly on my computer table, but were seeing her in person for the first time. It was also a first time opportunity for my husband and in-laws to interact with her so intimately.

The very first dance session was a moving one. Being so far away from home and the trips back to India becoming so few and far between, due to personal reasons, I often wondered whether I'd ever get an opportunity to become student again and have the pleasure of being taught by my teacher. Nothing had changed! I still had jelly feet when I began Ananda Nadamidum Deva, nervous as a kitten! Her eyes still scrutinized my performance and gave away little in response! But what a feeling it was to perform in front of her, beautiful memories of all those years spent under her, flashing in front of my eyes, even as the dance went on! May God bless her with many more healthy years.

Sushmita Arunkumar (another dance teacher in the area and director of Nrithyanjali) came over to learn some wonderful Padams and a Tillana from Aunty. I was happy to help in the learning process by dancing along with her, keeping in mind the time limits. Three of my students, along with Sushmita, also benefitted from a two-day Tala Sastra crash course. By the end of the second day, they were all in awe of how much Aunty had imparted in that short time and were all revved up to learn more!

I pray to the Lord that I am able to keep on with my practice of this divine art form of Bharatanatyam. I pray that I am able to carry on the banner of Aunty's Nritya Geethanjali here in Chicago or wherever life takes me, in the future. I know that her blessings are always with me, as they are with all her students!

- Anupama Rajesh