We had six fois.  The eldest, Champa Foi, passed away before my birth, leaving her only issue Nirmala (Nimu Bhen).

Three of my fois married and moved to Mumbai.  First was Dhiraj Foi with her husband, Keshavlal Shah.  Then Prabha Foi with her husband, Kasturlal Gandhi.  And finally, Vimla Foi with her husband, Ramanlal Doshi.  All three fuas had come from Kapadvanj and from middle class families.  All came up in life by hard work and in fact Keshav Fua (wholesale copper and brasss metals dealer) and Kastur Fua (in construction) were self made millionaires. Raman Fua (a working partner in electrical appliances and lightning retails) was also well to do. Raman Fua, though not as rich as the others, was perhaps the most generous and friendliest of all.  

Dhiraj Foi married Keshavalal Somabhai Shah.  He was bright and hardworking and had moved to Mumbai as young man. Dada helped him settle with help from some of his friends and cousins from Godhra. He got good opportunity and started his own business of selling copper and brass pipes and rods.  He made very good money. Though he was very cunning and ruthless in his business deals, he maintained very good relations with all families on both sides (his and his wife’s). He helped many of his poor relatives. Even while busy with his work he always took care of any relatives and their kids who visited Mumbai. With the passing of Dhiraj Foi (late 52/early 53), Fua had kept a full time cook (maharaj).  Whenever any of us went to his place he will always ask how are we and if we need anything. Then he will instruct the maharaj to make sure we are well fed and taken care off.  Also his sons were like friends. When Savai Bhai married, his wife Virbala, was one of the most friendly and loving people in the Kapadvanj community.

Shanta Foi married Ramanlal Teli. They lived in Kapadvanj all their life. His retail cloth business and money lending to farmers were just enough for a comfortable living but both were very nice and loving. Also very helpful to others.

Prabha Foi married Kasturlal Gandhi. He went to Baroda in the early thirties and studied engineering at Kalabhuvan Institute of Technology (the only technical institute in Gujarat).  He got an associate degree in civil engineering (there was no full degree course) and started working in Mumbai with a contractor and soon started his own construction company. Kastur Fua was a staunch follower of Gandhiji and would wear simple khadi cloths, and will not spend on any luxury item, but every one of his relatives were always welcome in his house and will always talk to everyone and knew everyone by name.  After independence (1947) Mumbai grew very fast and lots of construction meant Fua had a bonanza. He made good money and invested wisely mostly in commercial real estate. He also helped lots of people, particularly his brother and cousins, bought them to Mumbai and settled them.   Both Foi and Fua were loving and we all were welcome at their house any time.  Since I also went into the construction business, I had closer relation with him. When I needed his help he gladly give it to me.  He was the one who help me financially when I decided to come to the USA.  His sons are also like friends to me.

Vimla Foi married Ramanlal Doshi. His uncle had started a business of selling electrical supply and also service and installation of electrical utilities in buildings. Fua and his brother were both were working for their uncle. Fua being smarter soon become part of management of the company and got a handsome salary and bonuses. By his very nature he was generous and will go out of his way to help all relatives.  All their nephews and nieces were always welcome to their place.

Shushila Foi married Umakant Gandhi. They lived all their life in Kapadvanj. They were well to do and Fua had joined his father’s business (their business was similar to Girdhardada).  They too were very loving and we all were welcome in their house any time. Foi and her mother-in-law had made a practice of inviting all their brothers and sisters with their entire families for dinner twice a year (on raksha bundhan and bhaibij/diwali).