Wheel of Time

How difficult a task it is to be a parent was the question that was constantly knocking at my agitated rather traumatized mind, while helplessly standing second time within eight months at terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. I was holding on to the false notion that It was a dream that was going to get evaporated once l would wake up from my slumber. The beads of perspiration were glistening on my forehead trying to as if compete with the tears which were flooding the corners of my eyes as if to drown my very being. I stole a glance towards my life partner to analyze his condition,  to peep into his thought process. He was behaving strong like the Himalayas which stands tall to shield us from enemies that might threaten us. Yet, at times he was unable to control the strong surge of powerful emotions which was trying to weaken him.

As is said, whatever is destined will take place and that human hand is too feeble to alter the manuscript penned down by the Mighty Almighty even before a child gets its place in a womb. Our little nest, within three years of our matrimony was full of life with sweet chirping of our two little ones who became the centre of all our actions in the years to follow. Their innocent smiles invited many among our acquaintances to stop and greet them near the main gate of our home where the two siblings would spend most of their evenings playing before they had the  hectic schedule of school to follow. Mostly, l would watch my young ones outside lost in relishing every single moment of motherhood. Often an elderly neighbour of ours would stop to give sweets and toffees to my children as well as any other little child who would come his way. He would give them blessings and would always ask me to mark his words that my children would one day go abroad. I would just smile. Time flew and the children grew up as if with a blink of an eye. Everything was undergoing transition their looks, taste, choices and habits. But, one thing that was same was the blessing or foretelling of the elderly neighbour that my children would be going to abroad. 

My first born my son did matriculation and opted for medical stream but somehow something within him stopped him from appearing in NEET. He made it very clear to us that he didn't have an inclination to practice medicine since he wanted to do some kind of research. As is and as it should be we as parents didn't pressurize him rather stood by him. A lot of confusion was there regarding from where he should pursue higher education.  A fleeting thought and a long - cherished dream of his father who had once wished to be in Canada saw the light of the day. Our elder born decided to follow dictates of his father and left for Canada on April 21, 2022. The thought of not being able to see my first born for almost another five years was too much for me like it would have been for any other mom. But, for the sake of his better future with a heavy heart farewell was done. For another eight months entering his room or even looking towards the upper floor where he lived wasn't easy. Infact, even today it is as difficult as it was eight months ago.

My dear daughter,  my younger one after completion of her twelfth grade decided to tread upon the footsteps of her elder sibling. Having complete faith in our upbringing and strong values inculcated in both of them, keeping  her at par with her brother not in words but actions a decision was taken that her wish would also be granted. 

At the time of my son he was supposed to go in January intake but due to delayed approval of visa he had to defer for May intake. Thus, l as mom got bonus period of a couple of months. The same thought process was there in my mind in case of my girl. I was sure she would also be deferred . But, as said earlier destined can't be altered. Within one month her Visa was approved. I was having tea with one of my dearest friends Pooja my daughter's all time favorite Social Science  teacher when the consultant called to inform me about the same. In front of her at my workplace l broke down. I couldn't make out whether to relish the news or not. The thought of my delicate child who was always protected and treasured going so far where l won't be able to reach easily was too much to be borne. Luck was of course smiling as she was going with one of her friends who is an angel in disguise to stay with her family where she would get protection and care.

At the age of 44 now l understand how difficult it must have been for our parents to see us off for our good. I feel we owe a debt to them which can only be paid  by letting our children step out of their comfort zones, to allow them to explore their share of skies. Like we have been protected 24/7 by their blessings our children will also stay hale, hearty and happy wherever they would move in times to come. The pain of the separation that our parents had endured can be erased only by going through the process of bearing the same emotions and feelings. May God give all parents that strength!