Mothers. You might think of them as a person with a single mind, soul and personality but as you grow up, you realise you couldn't have been more wrong. Considering our deshi household, you probably know what I mean. I am certain you've witnessed at least one of these facades of your mother, and maybe even mistaken her to be bipolar. Nonetheless, here goes.

The Past-loving Ma: A classic trait of a Bengali mother is that she gets an unmatched sense of joy in comparing you to herself of yonder years and practically rubbing it on your face as in how much more evolved she was when your age and how you are just a shame.

The Cynical Ma: Have you been in one of those positions where you were unfortunate enough to ask your mother a silly question at a really wrong time and she just gave you a sly smile with an even sardonic remark making you feel like the dumbest person in the world? Yes, you have. So you know exactly what I'm talking about.

The Threatening Ma: So you've failed an exam. And you thought that you'd get away with it? Pfft. Not when you're this mother's child and definitely not until your father, siblings, grandparents and your neighbour's cat get to know about it. Your mother will swear on everything you love to do the honours herself. Intimidation is an understatement.

The Psychic Ma: Deshi mothers always seem to possess an imaginary crystal ball through which they assess every single downfall you've experienced in your life and try analysing the causes; 99.8% of the time, it's your cell phone.

The Emotional Ma: This happens when your mother is experiencing one of those nobody-loves-her phases and she emotionally asks you if her mere existence matters to you at all except when she's cooking and/or doing your laundry. She'll play all the guilt buttons at once making you feel more miserable than you already are.

The Suspicious Ma: You've been eyeing a toy since forever but your parents get it for your brother instead. One day, you break it, accidentally but like your mom would believe it. She'll turn into those new horrific Snapchat video effects and vow how you did it on purpose and certify you as an awfully resentful person.

The 'It-was-all-my-fault' Ma: One day your mother asks you to get her favourite shampoo on the way home and you forget. You apologise, but is that enough? OF COURSE NOT. Here comes a fifteen minute lecture on how your priorities aren't straight and it was all her fault to have had such high expectations from you. Sigh, you disappointment.

The Fashion Guru Ma: If you think you've mastered the art of fashion and know how to wear your hair every day, think again. Because your mother obviously knows better. If she tells you to brush your curls even if it turns into a bird's nest afterwards, listen. If she tells you that dress is ugly, it's branded "Ugly".

The Aggressive Ma: Once your mother gets even the slightest hint that you're turning into a spoiled brat who needs to be brought back to their senses, beware, and start praying. From jharu to chappal, you'll come in contact with a world of pain. You have been warned.

The Chilled out Ma: You have been caught being mushy with your beloved on the phone and you just suddenly meet your mom's gaze at the doorway – all crouching tiger-like. But instead of pouncing on you, she just walks in with a smile and asks you who the person is and how you two met. This supposed "coolness" is definitely a shocker and makes you doubt almost everything in life. 

Come to think of it, our mothers have as many characters as a period drama. Despite all these hilarious personas, they are our biggest source of strength and     inspiration. You got to love her for the person you are today.

Rafidah Rahman is a teeny-tiny Hulk, she's always angry and she's always hungry. A cynical dreamer and a food enthusiast, she's your everyday entertainment. Correspond with her at [email protected] or fb.com/rafidah.rahman.39