beach closed ? ... a dedication

In life we are truly blessed if we have a person who -

* Will do all that you desire even before you spell it out

* Inspite of their ailments , will always put you before themselves and be there by your side, rock solid

* Never fails to receive you at the airport/railway station every single time! ( I always always used to look forward to this :-) Have such wonderful memories of these reunions ! )

* Buries you under gifts whenever they get a chance , some of which only figured in your dreams

* Treasures your gifts with their life

* Will dance to your tunes and give in to all your whims and fancies

* Ensures that every moment you spend in their company is special

* Goes out of the way to spoil you rotten

* Is proud of your driving skills even when you used to drive backwards ;-)

* Simply loves you unconditionally!

Everytime we read such profound statements, instantly we think of several people who have touched our lives in more ways than one - Parents, Siblings, Partners !! I also have a variety of people adding the much needed sugar and spice in my life. But there was someone so endearing that their absence created this feeling of emptiness - gradually of course. This special someone was my maternal grandfather. So many memories come tumbling down in torrents as I fondly recall this everlasting bond.

My earliest memories are the exercise sessions with my grand-dad. He was on the heavier side and I think I must have found it fascinating to watch him swing his arms and legs about ; I used to imitate him every morning without fail enjoying it immensely. See, I bet thats the reason why I am so fit even now :P My grandparents lived in Chennai and whenver I used to visit them, I would be subjected to a treatment befitting a princess! My wish used to be their command literally - don't you just hate growing up! I vividly recall throwing tantrums, sulking endlessly and demanding to be taken to amusement parks et al. Trust me, they used to give in every single time!! My mom used to dread my return to Bangalore as I would have transformed into this little monster who wanted her way no matter what. Gosh! Isn't it dreadful hearing all this from your folks!

On one such visit to Chennai, my grandfather came to receive me at the railway station. It was nearly 9 in the night and I was a little girl then - probably 7 or 8. I was super excited about the holidays and for some wierd reason the beach in Chennai was calling to me right then. Maybe the lack of beaches in Bangalore was the cause. The moment I alighted, I demanded to be taken to Marina Beach. Now, when my grand-daughter will ever do something like this, I am sure I would just gag her and drag her home. Not my grandfather. With a poker straight face, he told me that all beaches in Chennai are closed after dark !!!! For that extra effect, he also added that had it not been closed, he would have obviously taken me on a beach tour. Would you believe it? Well little (and immensely dumb) R did. Guys who have seen Marina beach n Chennai - remember the white bridge-like structure along one portion of the beach on the road?? Not too sure but I think this structure is featured in the movie Yuva / Ayutha Ezhithe. Grandad told me that these were the gates to the beach!!! I bought this story hook line and sinker , and for many years to come, never questioned its authenticity :-) I don't recall the historic moment of truth when realization dawned on me that I was officially the royal fool in my family! ;-)

As life took its course and I trudged along my bed of roses and thorns, one special incident took place when I started working. I was thrilled to bits when I got my first salary and remember spending every rupee on gifts! No ill feelings towards the others, but my grandfather truly was the proudest and happiest when I gifted him a shirt. That same evening when we were heading out, he donned his new shirt and words fail to describe my feelings. I doubt I have done such affectionate gestures spontaneously for someone so I must be one of those lucky bums in this world!

 

This picture was taken 2 years ago when my grandparents came to see me off at the Chennai International Airport.



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My grandfather passed away last year on April 18th .. I sincerely hope he is at peace and fervently pray that he is showered with love wherever he is right now.