One year had elapsed since Mom left the face of this earth. As per the rituals or practice, we do not celebrate any festivals during the first year which is considered as a mourning period. You need to overcome the grief, perform regular rituals at periodic intervals ending with the one year main function. Thereafter, it is performed once an year. It usually comes in September based on the Thithi.
Dad came to Kuwait in November in time for the celebrations.
I dearly wished that Mom had lived for many more years. The main reason was to see the grand children grow along with them. As both of them had no baggage they could speak their mind and be completely honest and free with their grand children. They can shower them with abundant love, spoil them and in turn be loved by those kids without any expectations. This is an unique relationship especially in the initial years before the children grow into adulthood. At least Shreya had the privilege of that while Anirud was not so fortunate. Life and destiny had written their own endings and who could change them anyway. Life is like that as they say in Reader’s Digest.
I have to admit that I truly admire the guts and mental strength of Dad to be alone leading a life like that even though Attai lived one street away. She is another immensely strong and courageous woman who has seen the worst in life and yet has the courage to pull through. with gumption. I really don’t know if I can ever do that alone. It’s quite scary even to think about it. Both of them kept themselves busy by reading or pursuing things which they could not do earlier as they were wedded to the lives of their spouses and children. Now that they are free from their obligations, a better word would be worldly afflictions and affections they are entitled rightfully to follow their dreams.
He started to adjust to our lifestyle and the way life had taken a different course post Amma. I keep wondering if Men can truly do that or is my Dad an exception. Another factor is that Men also depend heavily on their spouses at home. One can argue that a parent can find it easier when they have to move into their son’s house. I would say the contrary is true in most cases. It would be much easier to move into their daughters home as they manage everything at home. Everyone would argue either way depending upon what they encounter or what they hear. Some may even argue old age homes work better as they can be independent. Well each one to themselves…. My spouse and I would say one thing…. It’s our duty to take care of them both ways… without them we are nothing….
You may wonder why I digressed from the topic of Diwali. Not really… I also went through one of the most difficult period in my life, professionally. Thanks to my wife, Dad and in laws I pulled through these horrendous times which were mentally draining and stressful. After all that we had been through this was the first and most important festival for us. As it stands for let there be light…. there’s always light at the end of the tunnel…
Therefore moral of the story is… Don’t ever give up…
Beautiful Life 