For Kiran Malhotra, caring for her younger son Kashish, whom the family lovingly calls Noni, has been a 28-year journey shaped by patience, love and constant responsibility. Living near Tapri Station, Lal Kothi, Nangal Road, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Kiran has devoted much of her life to understanding and caring for her son, who has been dependent on her for his everyday needs since childhood. Speaking to The Times of India, Kiran said, “Mere do bete hain, bade bete ka naam Mannu hai aur chhota beta Kashish hai, jise hum pyaar se Noni bulate hain. Noni 28 saal ka hai aur bachpan se hi meri poori care par dependent hai.”When Noni was born, Kiran noticed that he did not respond like other newborns. “Jab Noni paida hua tha, tab woh normal bachchon ki tarah roya bhi nahi tha,” she recalled. As he grew, the family began noticing more differences in his development. He struggled to hold his neck properly, and whenever they tried to make him stand, his legs would cross. “Dheere-dheere jab woh bada hone laga, tab humein samajh aaya ki woh doosre bachchon ki tarah apne aap cheezein nahi kar pa raha hai,” she said.
“Uski aankhon aur expressions se hi pata chalta hai”
Noni cannot speak and is unable to manage his daily routine independently. As a result, Kiran has had to become closely attuned to his needs, often understanding what he wants without words. “Uski har chhoti-badi zaroorat mujhe samajhni padti hai,” she said, describing how she helps him bathe, change clothes, eat and maintain a comfortable position. “Kabhi-kabhi uski aankhon aur expressions se hi pata chalta hai ki use kya chahiye.” Noni was unable to attend school, and much of his world has remained centred around his home and family. Yet Kiran says he has his own interests and sources of happiness. He enjoys listening to bhajans, looking at picture books and watching trains.“Uski chhoti-chhoti khushiyan aur uski smile mere liye sabse badi khushi hain,” she said. For Kiran, caregiving has also extended beyond her son. Her husband lived with leg paralysis for nearly 10 years and remained at home during that period. She cared for him alongside Noni, seeing both responsibilities as part of caring for her family. “Mere liye ye sab kabhi bojh nahi tha, ye mera parivaar tha aur unki care karna mere liye apna farz aur pyaar dono tha,” she said. Her husband died two years ago. His absence has brought another emotional and practical challenge to the family. Kiran says Noni continues to miss his father deeply, and the household has felt the loss.
As she grows older, caring for Noni is becoming harder
Kiran’s elder son Mannu has also tried to support the family and contribute towards Noni’s needs. However, managing household expenses and the costs associated with Noni’s care on a limited income remains difficult. Kiran herself is also growing older, making the physical demands of caregiving increasingly difficult. Lifting Noni, helping him bathe, feeding him and managing his everyday needs can be physically exhausting. “Ab meri age bhi badh rahi hai aur Noni ko physically handle karna pehle se zyada difficult hota ja raha hai,” she said.
Yet despite the physical and emotional challenges, Kiran says her son’s care has never felt like a burden. Her concern now is what the future will look like as she becomes older. “Main bas chahti hoon ki Noni khush rahe, comfortable rahe aur use woh saari facilities mil sakein jo uski life ko thoda easier bana sakti hain,” she said. Kiran also hopes that people understand not only the needs of people like Noni but also the struggles faced by the family members who care for them every day.“Meri bas itni si wish hai ki log Noni jaise bachchon ki life ko samjhein aur unki care karne wali maaon ke struggles ko bhi samjhein.” After 28 years of putting her son’s needs at the centre of her life, Kiran says the smallest moments continue to give her strength. “28 saal se meri duniya Noni ke around rahi hai, aur aaj bhi uski ek chhoti si smile mere liye sab kuch hai.”