Mahek Ahuja
Mahek – Spreading the fragrance of love
13 October 1998 was the day when Mahek Ahuja, a small innocent girl entered our lives. I got to know that Mahek has Down syndrome after a month or so. I was not aware about her condition at first and didn’t know what to do next but then I started researching about this and got to know a lot from doctors and some of my friends. It all got so challenging for me from the time when she had her first heart surgery at the age of one, but gradually things became smooth. Luckily I had been living in a joint family and the love and support that they provided her and me was immense.
All throughout, it has never been different for me, I treated her like she was one of us, a bit special but that’s what is unique about her. Initially, she started going to a normal school but later when it became difficult for her to manage, she started with special schooling. She is the most enthusiastic being I have come across, eager to learn and explore. This quality of hers made her do things on her own and I let her decide about what excites her most. She started with playing different sports at school and received many medals and certificates for her achievement. Also when cooking was taught at school she actively participated and that’s when I started sending her to cooking classes and she still continues to go. Yoga has impacted her personality the most, she had six month training for it and since then she does it each day and asks us also to join in.
Her little sister, Khanak, who is 6 years younger to her, plays a huge role in her life. She looks upon her for everything she does, and their beautiful relationship is only getting better as they are maturing. Since a year, Mahek has started going to the office with her father and helps him a little in the embroidery section of his business.
Last but not the least , having a child with Down Syndrome is really is a special feeling. It’s like it might take a little while with her and see her learning new things but it’s worth it to see her grow so much at the end of the day and I am glad that Mahek is a part of our lives.
-Mom, Rakhi Ahuja
