The renovation in my house has psyched the daylights out of my mother who is facing the cacophony of tools since June. the house has never been this chaotic and it almost feels that we are living on the railway station. Things strewn all over the place is screaming for some attention.
But as a person, who is hopelessly 'hopeful'---one good thing came out of it--seeing and touching things that were callously hid in the cupboard under piles of other more important things. Old books-- of nursery rhymes, fairytale, clothes that I still haven't tried on, my childhood clothes and accessories of the 70s and 80s that belonged to my folks, etc.
And yes, lots and lots of photo albums! sigh! this e-age has ripped us from this privilege. I sifted through albums that still treasures my parents' wedlock, my childhood. Few still locked in my memory, others that withered away with time and I had new things to add to my hard drive (brain!). I got goosebumps seeing the 2-year old Mithu dressed as a Pigeon's child acting with her favourite sister-- Mimi di -- during Durga Pujo of 1986. I wondered about my vocal abilities when I saw pictures of my music performances. And revisited so many places across India that I have toured with my parents, family and cousins! Kolkata trip with Babai--our first independent trip, i.e. without folks' supervision has a photo of the 4 sisters (Mammu di, Piu Di, Buchi Di and me) of Chatterjee family!(the only one)
School pictures are funny--fancy dress competitions, batch photos, annual day pictures and school birthday celebrations! Gosh! I got this pang in my tummy to rush to the school music room, my second home! :)
'Time of my life' in Venky---backlawns to lover's lane, to theatre practices and annual fest! Seeing pictures of Shivaa, Ishita, Banu and Manak (Verbum girls' common bf! Communism practiced to the hilt) made me emotional. Trips outside Delhi with college friends during that time made me realise that we grew real fast.
So next time you think about the future and worry about your present--- take a look at the past-you through pictures and you will know how you came so far and that it will be fine in future too...
