As the clock ticks on…

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Those days were wonderful. My papa held my hands and walked me along the road in the evenings and my mom kissed my forehead every time we were back from the walk. My father did all teachings and helped finish my homework. How happy my mom was solving the math problems! I felt I had bigger wings and I was flying in the sky of happiness. A warm protection, extra care and boundless love were what made me feel like a complete boy. Clock ticked the years away. I was not having the same bigger wings and my world was no smaller.2

It had been long time since my papa stopped holding my hands and walking me along the road. I missed those lovely evenings. What would have made such big difference? I looked back nostalgically on the days when my papa used to help me finish my homework and mom in solving the math problems and the days I hung on to every word or piece of advice my papa uttered. 3

He always wanted to give me the best of things; I had my demands much unlimited though. He helped me cross the fence of childhood easily and reach my adulthood. I never knew I would annoy my parents a lot when I was growing up and had not imagined that it could be scary too. I wanted to stay out with my friend until midnight. My parents were my old shoes into which I couldn’t have my feet in. They gave enough of freedom and granted permission to do what I liked to, but I wanted more than what was freedom. 4

I didn’t understand why I was so tight-lipped that made me keep myself from my parents in many ways. Monosyllabic replies still widened the gap between us. I considered that gap ‘a generation gap’. I had freedom; I was dependent. I would have got all my wants fulfilled, if I had opened my wishes to them, I wondered why I didn’t. They talked to me and never had talked down to me. I knew not the truth that ‘Communication is the key’.5

Years passed. The older I turn, the wiser I become. I found a job for myself and felt independent. Now, I realize the big difference between ‘freedom’ and ‘independence’. Innocence of childhood is blissful. I still miss those evenings. 6