From The Cradle to The Hostel - Reality Check for The Enthu Cutlets

Empty Nest Syndrome sounds harsher in reality and thus we began to face it -far more suddenly, than it could be, for our other peer parents.

My Jr. Cutlet had very explicitly, told us that, she intended to pursue a career in Fashion Design as a part of her graduation plan. The entrance tests to finally secure an admission in a good college, was very competitive and required a preparation cum coaching for a longer duration.  Therefore, unlike what Sr. Cutlets dreamed in their life, she started her preps for the entrance tests, much in advance. So much so, that she wanted to be reminding herself of her goal and therefore changed her phone wallpaper to the College logo, she aspired to be in (NIFT).

As the Jr. Cutlet sailed through the academic and personal challenges in her life, she took the entrance tests for fashion design in her colleges of choice (both private and government). The results of the private college were declared earlier and we had to secure an admission there, to be on a safer side.  When the NIFT results (1^st few lists) were declared, she did not secure a place in college centre and stream of her choice. Dejected yet optimistic, she started attending the private college with full steam. As parents, we were selfishly happy, since our Cutlet would live with us, atleast for four years of her graduation.

One fine Sunday, when the results of the final list of NIFT were declared, she secured a place in a college and stream of her choice. Alas, the place was Bhopal. Approx, 800 kms away from Mumbai. All hell broke loose in our house and it was filled with shock, excitement and chaos. Especially because the decision was to be made in few hours and the reporting was scheduled in a couple of days. Baba Cutlet, played the titular character of ‘Father of the Bride’, trying all his best to convince his daughter to let go off Bhopal and stay put in Mumbai. He used all the weapons in his armour, however in vain, the Jr. Cutlet was far more determined, than we thought she was.

The admission, orientation and the college process went on smoothly (Ofcourse with a lot of emotional upheaval on either sides). Back home the Sr. Cutlets started planning a lot more vacay options to spend time, with the Jr. in the coming future. I’ve heard about the 3 stages in ENS: - Grief, Relief and Joy. While we are crossing the stage 1, I have realised that, as parents, we also need to focus on self-care and hobbies, to be able to lead a life beyond work, that is filled with contentment and joy.

And, while the Jr. Cutlet battles with her good and bad experiences of a hostel life, the Sr’s. will give her

Wings to Fly and Roots to Value the Flight.

 

 

 

Hachiko - The wait is endless !!

Surprisingly the day ended well today and I managed to have some time on hand post dinner. Since Mr. Pat is away to cover the T20 World Cup and the Jr. Cutlet is already getting into the Sr. Cutlet category, she was absorbed into her world of K-Dramas.

I had sometime on hand before hitting the bed and therefore I decided to catch up on an old English Classic. Dogs being one of my favourites, I decided to watch ‘ Hachi - A dog’s tale’.  Although the movie is considerably slow ; there was something that kept me hooked on to watching the entire reel. For people who don’t know , it is a real story about a dog called ‘Hachiko’ from Japan , who had a deep connection with his master, something that was beyond everyone’s understanding. He dropped and picked his master from the train station everyday, when the master went to work. One fine day , his master suddenly passed away ; however that did not stop Hachiko from continuing his routine. And he kept doing so, kept waiting for his master at the train station for the next 10 long years.

Metaphorically, today it just put me in Hachiko’s position. While I continue to do my chores; work, travel, talk, meet friends, eat, pretend to make merry ; I am still that Hachiko , who everyday , before going to sleep , pauses, prays , ponders and always WAIT for him to come back. And when he doesn’t, I repeat the same routine everyday. Which makes me believe to what Sir Elton John rightly quotes “ Its the circle of life, that moves us all, through despair and hope ,through faith and love, till we find our place on the path unwinding”.  

I am grateful that, this movie did have a good end and I will not be a spoil sport for people who want to watch it. Indeed the Master comes Back with his Hachiko, this time , with a brand new start. Until then, The Hachiko in Me will keep Waiting !!