TEARS- NOW AND THEN.

When we were small kids, we had to undergo the religious rite of mundan ceremony. The near and dear relatives had gathered around. Me and my brother were pretty anxious and sad about losing our silky curly hair. The barber came with his rusty razor and began shaving our delicate pates. A few nicks were promptly rubbed with alum. The entire procedure left us in tears. After the mundan, a big black umbrella was kept open over us and sweetmeats were showered on the umbrella. Our cousins ran around to grab the bouncing sweets. They looked happy. A major event in our childhood was celebrated with much fanfare. But, we were sulky. We later cried in my mother's arms.

The big black umbrella was used by my dad during the rains. It was majestic and quiet sturdy. We were covered and protected from the rains under its giant canopy. My dad was also like an umbrella always protecting us from the harsh realities of life. He made us resistant and strong. We would always rely on him.
He never failed us.
He was like our invisible shield.

Last month, He failed us. He left for the heavens.

On the 10th day, We underwent the customary head shaving rite amidst misery and sadness. This time too, We brothers sulked.

We went home and cried in my mother's arms.
The rain drops hide our tears,
We have lost our only sheltering umbrella.
In the cloudy night sky, A bright star twinkles at me, I know It's my Dad.