When he spoke...

My dear little one,
How much you have grown! You will still remain my little one even then… the little girl I pampered, many a time secretly, the one I used to pat to sleep, take to school and run around with too.
At this time, I cannot help thinking of the time I held you in my hands for the first time – you were a tiny, sleeping baby, but fresh and beautiful, and I remember how my eyes filled with tears of joy as you opened your tiny mouth and yawned, then slowly opened your eyes and blinked. And as though you already knew me, smiled too!

And oh, the joy when you held my hands and showed me you could walk! And chuckled as I looked astonished, speechless, that the dear girl has already made her first steps.
Remember how you held my hand as we proudly walked out of the Principal’s office after getting your LKG admission? These memories are still etched in my heart.
As you grew, and asked your parents for the chocolate or mint they would refuse to buy, remember how I would take you out and secretly buy you 5 Star? Or perppermint? I can never forget the little hand that would hurriedly reach for mine as we neared that main road we had to wade across with difficulty.

Time flies fast. I grew old, and when we walked, now I had to hold your hand if we had to cross the road! You became the confident one, leading me across, taking charge of things. I knew you noticed every time I left your hand immediately after I knew we were safe, but pardon me, child, my little ego refused to acknowledge that I needed help.
Even those days are gone now – I lie in bed all day, waiting for you to come back from work, safe and sound. And to hold my hand and reassure me, encourage me, talk to me. Come, Mithu, the old man needs your warm hand.

Grandfather.

P.S: Our lovely babe's been celebrating her birthday. Join me in wishing dearest ol' Chennai a very Happy Birthday!!! Miss you loads, far away here!!