The sweetener

It was a joyful evening after a long time. We were celebrating first birthday of our younger son – Ashutosh. His postures were pleasing and movements were captivating. The gathering was stunned with his certain actions. My photographer friend clicked a photograph and to our surprise, Ashu braved to face the camera with a huge laugh on face with mouth wide open. He was not scared of the crowd around. On the contrary, he enjoyed the crowd around him and responding to their cheers.

Our elder son – Anurag is little a shy boy. And as seen usually happens on such occasions, he was a crying birthday boy and trying to run away or hide from the gathering, on his day. That compelled me to think that, such types of celebrations were not meant for them and we, the adults, arrange those for our selves under the pretext. Ashutosh proved exactly opposite. He is bit aggressive. I term him naughty, which my wife Nisha does not approve. Her philosophy is simple. `Every one is ought to be naughty in his or her early childhood days. So, Ashu is.` He delighted us. The beaming boy made the occasion meaningful compelling me to review my earlier thinking. The whole evening unfolded a treasure of sweet, memorable moments.

We are happy, contended today. But, one year back, the days were not so pleasing. We, especially Nisha suffered lots of pains. Some problems developed at last stage of her pregnancy, one month prior to the delivery. We were anxious and nervous. That gave me many sleepless nights. Even Ashu defied the day determined by the doctor for his arrival in this world. We had to rush to the hospital a day prior to the date fixed. That morning was scaring. Ultimately, it blessed us with a lovely son. I really do not have words to describe the intense pains the woman bear and battle against, when in labour. She is the most brave person in the world, who dare, battle and win over the ultimate truth in the world.

Ashu, with his endearing actions and responses, sweetened all those painful moments and memories. That is another truth revealed to me that evning.

(reflections 2)