I, MY or ME

The light touched the eyes with the glow of another for its identity. Acquaintance began instantly, as if waiting for it for quite some time. Ahh! There are others who blinked with disappointment, for they waited for someone else. I realized it, I am not their pet, they hoped for a better life to emerge from the womb celebrated just a year back. I was cuddled by her, and my charm brightened the coming days when by god's grace job became permanent and a source of income gained little more momentum than before. Not only that, but I became the charm! So bribing to take for bicycle rides by Babaji was a usual sight in the neighbourhood. He came from work and would not enter the house before calling 'Chando' as I was fair and shone like a moon. Chando was my name given by my grandfather, who refused to pick me up because I was a girl child. He wanted a boy!

Maaji was caring and a mother of five daughters. She was blessed with two sons, but one died before completing seven. I was born to the only son she could give birth to! After my birth, all attempts began to pray to different gurdwaras for a male blessing. They visited Nanded, Maharashtra for boys. They took a vow at the shrine that once my grandfather retires from work, he will serve the remaining part of his life in the gurdwara. He kept his promise and took my grandmother to the gurdwara and stayed there till he was not able to serve physically.

Ironically, he spent his last days at his daughter's house.

My grandmother belonged to an influential family in Punjab. She was married to my grandfather, who had a decent earning. He was an employee in Telco. She was a great lady, coming from a family where with one voice there would be maids standing to a status of serving every member selflessly for the whole life alone. She worked endlessly, looking after her five daughters and two sons. Not only that, but she had buffaloes to milk and cook for everyone. Daughters were married off at the age of thirteen or fifteen. Unfortunately, out of five, four became widow soon. One was a widow after 4 years of marriage and lived her entire life bringing up the three boys. None were literate. They hardly knew to sign or write their name. Out of Five, one managed to pass class ten. She took care of her family after her husband death. The rest were dependent on their in laws for their bread and butter. Also, my grandfather had given financial support from time to time. They all survived their pain and challenges without striving for more!

These daughters bought educated women in their families who are financially independent and look for more freedom. These new ladies are part of decision-making in the house and are treated with respect. These educated lot is again bringing up their girls with modern education and teaching them to strive for themselves.

My mother was an educated woman. She wanted to teach and work. Unfortunately, she was not permitted to work. She stayed at home and took care of all four of us; She made sure that we get the best education possible in our lives. She taught us that nothing is precious than education. Everything is possible in life if one has strong educational background. She instilled in us that we all should get a graduation degree and not drop out from school. She wanted me to dream and gave me the confidence that I can win over the world if I desire! I dreamt and lived the life I wanted. Some people call me 'Sunny Paaji' because I dare to live!

I am the eldest sister to three brothers. Today while I am writing this, I am still the eldest to one, lost the two dearest very soon! Lost my mother and also my father.

The eyes looked to another again, this time all were welcoming the new light with zeal and enthusiasm. Nobody felt the need to have another. It was a long-awaited wish that came true after ten years of togetherness. Time has changed, girls are also welcomed with cheers and happiness. She is Vaishnavi, my daughter! She is the light that brightens our lives! Furthermore, she completes us and her presence is our motivation to live. She is our Blessings

I am giving her the freedom to dream! I am giving her the freedom to breathe and live a happy life!

Are YOU?