Note: This post was written before Christmas. I, however, couldn't post it, due to workload. I hope you bear with me.
Christmas is just round the corner, and like each year it
kindles memories of long ago. Childhood seems like yesterday, but time has
swept away the years, taking along with it a special person who kindled the
love of music in me, right from a tender age - MY PAPA.
As I
sit down and type this post, my mind stirs up memories of the many Christmases
I celebrated with dad. Making the crib, putting up the star, and
decorating the house, all with music playing in the background, seems like
yesterday. Unless Jim Reeves or Boney M songs were played, Christmas wasn’t
complete. Painting the brown paper to make them resemble mountains was the best
activity for me, as a kid. Hands, face, and dress covered in paint, I used to
spread myself all over the paper, just to make sure I cover all corners. That
and running into the kitchen occasionally to grab the sweets or savories Mom
would be preparing, only to be called back by Dad to complete the task at hand
and then fool around, still brings a smile. And then there was Mom screaming at me from the kitchen not to touch anything with dirty hands. Stuffing my mouth full, I would be
spread-eagle again on the paper.
Christmas
evening, friends from the colony would visit our home to wish and share in the
celebrations. Offering them sweets and savories, after stuffing my mouth with
the same (not to miss out the admonishment by Mom), and being complimented on
my dress would leave me floating in the air. And then the yummy dinner of
mutton biryani and my favorites items. Those were one of the best memories of
Christmas, ever. Sitting here, miles
away from the place I love, my heart still yearns for THOSE CHRISTMAS TIMES.
But then some voids can never be filled. Here I am, still wondering how life
took such a turn. Time sure flies!
Not to be sounding negative, but the present lacks the
fervor of the past. Though people say time will heal, it’s doesn’t ring true
here. It just is a cruel reminder of what is missing. However, life, sadly, has
to go on…
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Daddy, wherever you are!
I miss you.
