NOSTALGIC MEMORIES

Childhood is that desirable period in everyone's life that we all wish to live once again, even if it costs our entire wealth. That period of life had no tensions, worries, or hassles for the future. It was the time frame where we never thought of tomorrow or had no regrets for the past. Every second was fun-filled.

Children are so talented and innocent that they change every grave situation into a lively one. They find their amusement in everything. Every tantrum of theirs gets entertained with lots of love and hugs.

My childhood was also highly marvelous. Though I was an extraordinarily naughty kid, I was fortunate to have great parents who endured everything with tons of patience.

Since my dad was an engineer, he was usually posted in the project areas where rivers flowed. He would often get transferred, and we moved with him from one place to another. It was fun to make new friends and to explore new places. But at the same time, it wasn't easy to adjust to the new environment. The areas he got transferred to were usually marshy. In rainy seasons it rained like dogs and cats. I remember coming home from school purposefully getting drenched in the rain. Most of the books would get wet. Mom would dry them up using a hair dryer. I would yell too for being so careless, but I still did it as it was fun.

I remember making paper boats and floating them in the small water-filled digs. It made me so happy. Since the areas were marshy numerous times, I have slipped and broken my hands and knees. Still, I loved it. I was too much connected to nature. I grew in dark green jungles where it was customary to view peacocks, deer, or bison. Occasionally we would come across elephants too. I remember papa telling me that I was their Didi (elder sister). It fascinated me so much that I thought all animals would listen to what I ordered. That was dad's way to make me bold and to see that I never panicked seeing them. In my early days, I truly believed that I was their Didi. Only the sight of snakes dreaded me. They sent a shiver through my spine. To date, I am highly petrified at the sight of crawlies.

The most exciting time of my young days would be my summer vacation. It was the time we visited my grandparents. I was the apple of their eyes. They loved me immensely as I was the only kid, their toy, to play with at that time. Rest all were grown-ups. My grandfather took me to his friends' place with pride and excitement. He was very proud of my oratory skills. He would ask me to recite poems and say speeches before them. Though I would sometimes feel embarrassed, I would be happy and blush when they praised me. Most of them didn't know English, and my recitation in English was a matter of pride to them.

The most favourite person to me was my grandma. She was a very sober and loving person. One could easily depict the love she had in her eyes. She loved me a lot. I spent most of my time with her. She used to tell me all the mythological stories which left a significant impact on me. I learned a lot of unforgettable and implementable lessons from her. She was a lady who believed in a lot of charity. I remember my granny giving alms and food to everybody who came begging. If no one ever came, she would reach to them to give.

Today I wonder that despite earning good, yet we complain about no savings. We don't have any blessings at all. I wonder, is it because of being miser and greedy? We are a small family; we still have no funds left by the end of the month. But my granny had eight kids, and always the house would be filled with guests. All lived with a lot of love and harmony. Anyone showed no tantrums. They ate whatever they had by sharing. No one was greedy to save the leftover for the next day. Despite feeding so many at home, she made it a point to feed the needy. There was no avarice to hoard nor any intention of gaining any fame. She taught me the difference between need and want and cooked extraordinary, tasty dishes. Whoever ate her preparation always praised her.

She taught me that the hearty blessing of the needy was better than saving thousands. It would save me from every adversity. What we eat is all used and wasted. I asked her naively how was it wasted? She used to say that the taste felt is only till the food is in the mouth. The moment it moves down, it would convert into energy or poop. Both would get out of the body when the time came. I hardly understood then, but today I can relate to it very well. How true she was!! An illiterate and naïve woman having such deep thoughts influenced my tender mind a lot. Today I understand why she lived with so much happiness and contentment. She was an ideal example of simple living n high thinking.

Some examples are so well learned when demonstrated. She would drop something on the banana and ask me if it was safe yet to eat? I would smile and say that peel off the skin and then eat it. She would say that is what charity does. It protects us like that skin. The lessons learned in my childhood are so deeply engraved in my heart n mind that they will go to the grave with me.

If God gives me a boon and asks me what I wanted, I will surely want back my childhood. Those wet days, cold nights, and mom's warm arms.