~ From Kid to a Man ~

 I have seen him in arms to a grow up in adolescence – how life changes and time flies, really.!

Kashiv was the name his father, a general grocer I my vicinity, had given him happily and how as a first born ‘Son’ was rejoiced by his father, distributing sweets to the entire clan which he knew and also who’s who came to his shop!

Now as years have passed, Kashiv turned 21 and today as I saw him after a long time, I made him remind the very day when I ate sweets when he was born 😊 – his cheeky smile was a reminiscent past of his reaching this stage of his life – as his father stood by – still working and getting up at 5 a.m to open his shop which has been an integral part of father and son journey.

Today, the day came when his father again spoke to me about a prospective match, he was seeking to get kashiv married and relieve him of his duties – a typical household mentality in India of every parent.

“The boy is settled in his own might and has finished his graduation and MBA and is working in a company!” – the proudness in his father’s voice was apparent and came from a man who didn’t study beyond class 8^th !

“Sir, I could not study as I lost my father early in life when we came from my native village in Bihar – I had an uneducated mother and two sisters to take care of – being the only Eldest sibling and a Son, I was tasked to run the show!”

“Though life treated me little differently, and I have not much regret, I vowed upon myself to make my children educated and achieve great heights!

The words were surely brewing with wisdom and I guess almost all the father’s in this world would share more or less the same thoughts and sentiments, and it must be, as what more great than a son bypassing his father’s achievements and making him proud!

As we were discussing things, Kashiv came and tried to change the topic, which generally kids do as he wanted to start his career in ‘Corporate world’ and make a mark for himself!

Getting back after my buy, I started to reminisce the life of father, son duo and how time subtly changes, seep by seep, day by day until we as parents realize that you have a handsome hunk and a beautiful damsel standing in front of you as your son or daughter, ready to take on the world and materialize your dreams which you could not due to unforeseen circumstances beyond your reach!

Life is such for everyone, and that is the beauty of time…waiting for Kashiv to get married but also achieve his dreams which he has so rightly thought so!