Chithappa

The reason for writing this blog is my uncle. My heart cries even now when I say his name. A being that saw only anxiety in life. He loved me very much. When ever I returned back from boarding school or me came to my place after I got married, Chithappa use to come and see me without fail. He would stand outside the house and wait for me to settle down and talk to him. There is so much love in that gaze he had. I can understand that. But I was wondering how to return it back to him. I was very young and the culture where I was brought was not that expressive. This prevented me to express my care and affection towards him. Situations were also not helping well, my father and him kept on fighting until his end. After I started getting experience outside , I decided to celebrate his 60th birthday well. At least I wanted to do the rituals without any issues. Since he had lost his 3 children one after another , he went to depression and did not want to celebrate anything for himself. I finally convinced him to do that ritual. But that time I did not realise that this was the last good thing he would face. I still can not believe that he has left me. I can not give him back his children, but I thought I could do some little gestures that make them happy. Gone without a chance for that. He became a victim for the deadly Corona. And worst thing is close neighbours and family were hesitant to collect his ashes after cremation because he was infected by COVID. I could not believe such a wonderful soul had to face such an end. I regret every moment that I should have spent more time with him. He insisted to have a meal with him whenever I go there , but I kept skipping that for no reason. Now he is no more to even see.

Lesson learnt:- To cherish every moment with loved ones and not to hesitate to show the genuine love affection towards others.