Circle Of Life

Dear Diary,

Sharing my all time favourite anecdote.

As I help my daughter pack her bags for her new phase in life : beginning of college life , I am engulfed by a mixture of emotions of love, sadness, joy, loneliness, despair. It feels as if someone is ripping my heart so see my own part going away from me physically.

For a moment, I close my eyes and travel back in time machine some 28 years ago.I open my eyes and the scenario is set in my Delhi home.

It seems like a rush hour : bags on bed : momsie moving around , all worked up . There I see myself sitting on the bed : excited as well as nervous.

Momise : " Raju! pack this panjeeri and besan sweets as emergency food in hostel."

Me: " Maa, the bag is already full!."

Momise:" An extra kilo or two won,t make much of a difference."

Me: " Daddyji, mummy ko samjhao."

Dad : " Don,t argue with your mom."

Me ( sighs!) : Ok 

Packing done ! Hurray !!!

Now is the last tea time talk with my momsie popsie before I board train to future.  My parents sit beside me .

Me ( thinking ) : Now is time for advise , suggestions ,...……...

Popsie : " Beta, you are entering this big world of adults. From now on you are on your own. Now, you will live in the main arena- real life.".

Momsie ( interjects): "Raju ! you need to be strong, self disciplined, focussed. We are always there to support you ."

Popsie takes over, " There are few important tips which your grandfather had given me , I am passing it on to you. Think of these college years as a Launch pad for your future life. There are bound to be distractions: be it peers or from opposite sex or otherwise. It,s absolutely fine to be attracted to a boy ( God forbids girl is not acceptable ). 

We all start laughing . The atmosphere lightens up.

Remember your limits and always keep us in the loop. We are friends from now on. "

Mom shifts her gaze towards me ,"Raju!, this is like a train journey. You will meet many people, befriend many, travel with them for some distance. Always remember, every individual has his/her own destination stop. Don't miss yours. Alight from the train at the right time at the right stop."

Everybody keeps down their tea cups . I gather the cups and head towards the kitchen with my Momsie Popsie,s pearls of wisdom.

FAST FORWARD...…………..28 years,

As I am talking to my daughter, I envision my own talk prior to similar  journey.

Only now the daughter has adorned the mother,s role.

I can feel my Mom smiling from heaven , "Raju! this is circle of life !"

So true Maa! Love you from this world to your world : Till we meet again : Up there.

Love,

Juju.