From Dusk to Dawn

They said pain doesn't last for a long time. They said it fades away with time. However, some wounds are so deep that they penetrate into the soul, shattering it into a gazillion pieces. Each moment seems to be an eternity when it is overpowered by a nauseating feeling of grief. 

It seemed my life had reached a standstill when I lost my father. I could hardly believe that the person who had always been the crux of my family was no more. Words can hardly describe the excruciating pain that I had experienced on seeing the lifeless body slowly drifting into the other world. While he was slowly drifting away, I was getting sucked deeper into labyrinths of self realization, regrets and gradual acceptance. The last dregs of the setting sun in the crimson sky almost echoed my fading desires to stay alive. 

However, dusk slowly paved its way for the night, which then slowly made way for another day, another chance, another hope. With the dawn of a new day, came the dawn of new realizations. A different life was waiting for me. A life that was still alien to me, a life where I have to shoulder higher responsibilities. I looked back to the days of my childhood when the only duty that was assigned to me was completing homework on time. I looked back to the days when my father used to wait at the railway station, carrying a warm welcoming smile. I even looked back to the days when I got scolded for mistakes I didn't do. Mistakes...

Mistakes were always forgiven, no matter how huge. For my father taught me that mistakes mould us... 

My father's death taught me lessons which couldn't have been learnt otherwise. It made me realize the value of a parent, it made me see the power the I am vested with, the power of strength. Strength is infectious. It spreads more rapidly than any virus. I realized that I had transferred that strength to my mother, the strength and moral power to overcome the pain. This almost made me immune to petty heartbreaks and disappointments.

Now, I make efforts to not complain or breakdown when things don't go my way. I do not succumb to irrelevant fears, for I have realized and accepted that I cannot change the natural course of events. One death compelled me to tread on a journey where I find myself surrounded by myriad responsibilities, however, I have found the much needed strength to fight against all odds.

While his cell phone remains unanswered when I dial his number, his memories will always answer and clarify my doubts, for he also taught how to cherish the days of the past...the indelible marks of a lifetime.