The Other Day

This post has been published by me as a part of the Blog-a-Ton 21; the twenty-first edition of the online marathon of Bloggers; where we decide and we write. To be part of the next edition, visit and start following Blog-a-Ton.

It was evident from his sad face that something wasn't well. I haven't seen him like this before. But since last couple of days he was looking as if he had lost everything.

"What's wrong grandpa?" I used to call him grandpa because he was of that age and more because I haven't seen my grandpa ever. He didn't reply and walked away. I picked up the paper he forgot on the bench. It was acceptance letter from the famous old age home 'Home Like Home'.

I followed him and brought him back. How could I let him leave like this? He started with a low tone, "Yesterday my son gave me a wonderful gift on my 73rd birthday. A new home, 'Home Like Home'. He says his four bedroom home don't have a single corner for me," he continued, "He says both he and his wife go to work so they can't take care of me. They say they don't want me to suffer in their absence so they have arranged a place in an old age home for me".

I was quietly listening to him. "I said I can take care of myself, you don't need to suffer your work for me but I didn't know my son is smart enough to tackle these questions. So he promptly replied that I'm not safe at home alone when they both are out all day. The incidents of attacking aged people and then robbing are rising day by day. My son had a point", he put his heart out.

Silence took place between us for quite some time. "When is Nitin coming?" Nitin is his grandson gone somewhere outside India to complete his studies.

"I don't know. I don't even know his whereabouts. We rarely talk to each other. He don't call me. He talk to his parents.", there was a considerable pause after every full stop and his tone got slower after every sentence.

"Can I ask you something grandpa?", I hesitantly questioned. I myself was surprised because I never felt a need to get his prior permission to ask anything. He was surprised too, I guessed, though he granted it immediately.

"Can I take you to my home?" was my next hesitant question.

He smiled. "My dear son, thank you so much but I can't. He might be making excuses but I, a father, will always be one", he continued, "Life is an echo and he has a son too". In these lines I learnt a lesson for life.

We bid adieu and he promised to meet me right here in this park where we used to meet everyday. I kept my promise and came everyday. He never returned. Maybe he was aware of it from then on.

I'm here again, knowing that he won't come. The other day, when we met last, is the one I never want to remind nor do I want to forget altogether.

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The Stubborn Kid

Last night was not ordinary. It wasn't extraordinary either. There happened something that wasn't happened before. I stepped into the shoes of my grandpa and he stepped into mine. Let me mention here that he is too old to realize that he was actually behaving like a little kid. As I said, he is too old, 91 years to be exact. He is more than 3.5 times elder than me. But last night he again turned 3.5 years old kid.

He is not well since some days. And he was so frustrated that he decided not to eat anything and end up his life like that. And let me tell you that he is a real stubborn. Once he has decided to do or not to do something then no one can change his mind easily. He is like Salman Khan of the movie 'Wanted' which says 'ek baar maine jo commitment kar di phir mein apne aap ki bhi nahi sunta'. We had to request him for almost an hour to eat something. But he was he. Then me and dad pulled him by his arm and made him sit on the bed. Everything was OK till now.

What caught my attention the most was that he was too weak to hold the spoon and eat. I mean he was never like that. He was more fit than other family members even in his 80s. I fed him. He was eating like a kid. Eating less and falling more. I was thinking how it all happened. There were days when he used to feed us like this and today it was all in reverse order. Me turning his grandpa and he turning a kid again.

After he was done with his meal, he said something which caught my attention even harder. He said 'tum jeet gaye'. And in his words I felt that though I have done something good for him but he was feeling like a lost warrior.

I don't scare of death but I scare of getting old.

A Letter to Grandpa

Respected Grandpa,

Greetings.

It is 3rd April 2010. You remember, it's your 91st birthday today. I wish you a long life and want your blessings to shower on me and other family members. Today I got the opportunity to talk to you through this letter. I hope you will give it a look.

You told me that the day I was born, you felt the happiest grandpa on earth. I remember when I was a kid, you used to play with me. Whenever mom-dad tried to shout at me you came to rescue, whenever I got sick you were more worried than anyone else, whenever I got late for school because of my sleeping habit you used to pick me up in your arms and take a walk in the street to wake me. Going to your work place to lit the candles on Diwali night, celebrating the festivals traditionally in your guidance, getting the one rupee coin everyday before going to school and a ride on your cycle are some of the priceless gifts that I got from you. You love me more than your own son, that I know. Thanks for all the love.

As a grandson I think I have a right to say what is in my heart. Over the years I have noticed a change in you. A negative one I would say. In the past 9 decades you have learnt a life. But there are certain areas you still need to improve on. Sometimes your short temper and rigid behavior annoys me. I have tried many times to convince you to change your attitude but now I quit. I think I've tried and you have won. But, that's fair. Now I don't say anything to you. I talk less. It doesn't mean that I don't love you and respect you. Sometimes you have to do the things going against your heart. Please forgive me for this. I love you but can't show you.

Now, going back to the past again, there are many memorable incidents happened between us. I can't pick anyone to share at this moment. But if given a chance I want to live my life again and re-live every moment. But certainly not the days when you were hospitalized 7 years back. That was the most tough period for you and the family.

I'm not good at writing letters but I could not find another way out to express my heart out. Words of mouth will not impress you, I know. So, please read it carefully and understand that I need my 'that' grandpa back.

With Love,

Your Grandson.

(P.S. - Today is my grandpa's 91st birthday. This letter is truly meant for him but I know he won't read it. Love you Dadu.)