Life seems to have come a full circle these days, right back from my childhood times. That time I was a child, now my son is. I am reminded vividly of those times, especially visits to my Naani's place. It was the best place in world to me then. I am still reminded of sitting on her lap and eating the gol boti (mutton) while she regaled tales from her childhood. Those times remind me strangely of today's scenario and the way life has come back the full circle, though weirdly. Then, the house and neighbourhood itself was very safe where literally everyone knew everyone so no doors were ever locked. It was safe for children to play outside. Today also, within societies it is safe for children to play outside their homes, though noone knows each other. That time, my naani used to call out from her terrace or call up shop keepers whenever she would fancy a kulfi or jalebi. Being the friendly neighbouhood, anything under the sun was available to her at a moments notice. She knew not just the first name but the latest details of all shopkeepers and their families. Today again, we have the shopping world in our fingers tips through different "instamarts". A press of a finger and we receive the order within 15 minutes from milk to gourmet cheesecake. But we care the least to know which shop it was sourced from, let alone the delivery boy's name.
Strange coincidences across the generations. The world grew smaller as we grew apart.
Somethings that did not change. The love. The people. I lost my naani around similar age as my son lost his nana (my dad). They each dotted their grandchildren similarly and played a significant role in their lives and even fed them similarly. The affection and memories remain. The outer world changed its way of communicating but the hearts that are connected communicate similarly.
Maybe the future will again complete a full circle where we will again know the first names of those around us and call out instead of whatsapping or pinging.
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