Death Is Not The End

We attended a prayer meeting held for the dearly departed father of one of SO's friends in Delhi recently. It was at a Arya Samaj Mandir and I was generally appreciative of the no rites and a sober remembrance thing.

The Pandit (preacher) started off well by chanting Gayatri Mantra and other funereal mantras and shlokas and then, suddenly burst into a very Bollywood, "Chal ud Ja Re Panchi", which startled everyone off their wits and in my opinion woke everyone up and generally made everyone struggle hard not to burst out laughing.

Who needs entertainment, when friends and family offer themselves so readily. Right?

What We Did Wrong

Ran away when there was no need. And we now live to regret it, every single passing second.

I Think This Time We Shall Escape

Was that the thunder that I heard?
My head is vibrating,
I feel a sharp pain
Come sit by me, don’t say a word
Oh, can it be that I am slain?
Quick, Magdalena, take my gun
Look up in the hills, that flash of light
Aim well my little one
We may not make it through the night

This beyond everything is what I fear and cannot control. Everything else, is well under control. I feel this strongly with every passing day. Time truly does not wait. You know, my gut feelings are always right, and no, I am not being over dramatic again.

Pain That Stops and Starts - A Decade

1. It will be ok.
2. I can't manage you, but sometimes maybe you should give it a try.
3. I have many many many demons that we have easily identified. I'm not asking you to slay them, just soothe me while I'm dealing with them.
4. I told you I was contradictory.
5. Sometimes, even the world isnt enough when I need the space. Let me roam.
6. Whats the sense in changing horses in midstream?
7. I am back in the rain and you're on the ledge - You made it there somehow.
8. I'm just like that bird - singing just for you. I hope you can hear. Hear me singing through these tears.
9. Time is a jetplane. It moves too fast.
10. I remember but thats no reason for interrogation. Non?

Our Conversation Was Short and Sweet

How is one supposed to react when someone totally out of the blue, shows you pictures of their grandchild? I mean someone at work? I don't know how to react. I normally say, "Oh! What a darling! What's his/ her name?" After that, I am at a loss of words and I don't know what to say next.

People also confide shocking, embarassing details to me like, "You will be happy to know that my son was conceived in India." I mean, why would I want to know that? Given the fact that something must be lost in translation, due to the confidantee not being a native English speaker... However, HOW is one supposed to react to that?