Mid Hot June…usual Power cut. This was quite often in Dumka, and none of us
was surprised on it. As if, this was a routine work. It has to go and will come
back, and even if not no problem. We are used to it and somewhere inside me, I
was convinced that it’s their goodwill that they provide power lines and voltage
(that’s the only term I knew about electricity at that time). I used to put
water on the rooftops, to make it a bit chilly (God knows, that makes me sweat
like hell, fetching water from well to upstairs, later replaced by motor pump).We
(I and ma sis) used to sit on bamboo mattress with lamp (surrounded by infinite
numbers and verity of orthopedic creatures), basically doing nothing. Sis used
to scold me for doing my homework (ignoring hers) and I used to make excuses
for not doing it. Literally, we both did nothing. Sometimes I imagine how the
homework used to get completed!!!! And then Dad, he was something, be it simple
rooftop, or garden, every where he was capable of putting up mosquito net. I am
sure he would be able to put it on Mt. Everest too. I still wonder how it takes
months, years or even centuries to plan, act and deliver a project with
unlimited human and system resource. But ask my dad, he used to plan (how the
net will be hanged), act (nails, bricks and rope work) and deliver (we used to
sleep peacefully). And mind it that was a 6-Sigma Delivery. After dinner I used
to have race with my sis to the roof top to occupy chiller pillow (however it
doesn’t matter much as it gets warm after a while). Dad used to fan us constantly, till I fell
asleep. I used to pretend a lot, in fact that gives me shame that dad is
drenched in sweat, still aiming fan to me. So, if he considers me asleep he
will get some for his own. Sis used to show me different constellations in the
sky. In no time I was familiar with them and used to identify them even in
faint sky. The breeze used to bring fragrance of grass and plants that occupy (rather
spread) the surrounding of house. In spite of hectic temperature, the sleep was
so cool and sound.
Getting back to present day, it is now about 1 and half years in Kolkata in
a very busy, hectic life. A life full of luxuries as Air-Conditioned office etc.
Lights went off few days back and I couldn’t sleep whole night. In fact I don’t
remember when the last time I slept peacefully without worries was. 5years, 6
years or may be more than 10 years. I have spent countless nights a typing
furiously on system, poking am knows in books equally heavier than me. That bestowed
me quite comfortable life (of course not like a superstar, but commendable
one). But every night when I go on bed, there are enormous issues crawling like
ants in my mind.I don’t complain of them, but somewhere a question lies. What we expect
from life? And again it reminds me my own theorem,
“You get everything on cost of something.”
But is it worth? Months used to pass
without a glimpse of your loved ones, but they are the same who are most happy
when you get appreciation for what you are doing. They are the one who sacrifices
themselves to keep us happy. Ignoring it is their insult, accepting it is
mine. The nursery rhym, though tought in
nursery, has its meaning in real world.
“Twinkle Twinkle Star, How I wonder
what you are.
Up Above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky”
May be someday, I could lie back on my rooftops…staring them…..may be…
