Mumbai, Sunday, 23 May 2010, 0900: It was my nephew (Nachiket's) janeu (thread) ceremony. I along with my parents were at the venue quite early as we had to participate in preparations, after all it was a home function. I was about to reach the hall on the second floor, when a speeding Priyanka (my cousin) bumped into me. Before I could see anything, she ordered "Go and see if the caterers have arrived"..."oh man!", I said. I was already in the scheme of things. Nothing to worry though, my marriage had given me enough confidence that I could handle, and even take out, any sort of job, from anyone. Confidence paid and I could accomplish a few preparations only to see my sister happy about it.
Everything was ready and the pooja began. A big havan had converted an otherwise AC hall into a 45 deg. C boiling furnace. With everybody busy in either taking part in the ceremony or the preparations or gossiping, it looked as if the heat didn't matter to many. Or maybe, I am not used to such temparatures anymore!
Quite interestingly in whatever ceremony you talk, mama has to play a crucial role. Isn't it? It was my turn now, as Nachiket's mama. Didn't take much time to play my part in all the rituals but this made me realize one thing. And that was "One Cyle Completes, another begins!". Incidently, Nachiket's grandfather was my mama. I was with Nachiket performing all the rituals and could remember each and every single thing that my mama and mami had done for me. Things like going to Gurudev hotel to enjoy delectable idli-dosa, or taking me to films or giving me all the magzines for small kids and what not. It was really an emotional moment for me. It was, as if, I could almost see him in front of my eyes...
The function got over and I started for the airport. Sitting in the local train I wondered, life had now given me the chance to pass on all the love I had received from my mama-mami. I thought, would Nachiket remember us (his Chandani Mami and Chand Mama as he calls Deepti and me) when he is in my shoes? Will he remember me 20 years from now? Something struck me and I made a promise to myself; I will be there with him whenever he requires and give him all the love possible. That's a promise, I sincerely hope, I live upto.
