My Musings

Yesterday I went to my cousin's place after a couple of months. He is blessed with two non-identical twins Anuttara and Shraddha. After chit-chatting with my SIL I was playing with the kids. The former came to me, held my hands and uttered, "Shruti (I won't expect respect from kids :-P), wait here.. we will show you some magic". Saying so, she murmured something in Shraddha's ears. The latter went inside the room and came with cards. Both of them gave me a broad smile and dragged the small table to the center of the room. When I started asking them about the work they are about to do, Shraddha told, "Hey Shruti hold your nerves, pack your curiosity for a few moments. Just sit and watch our magic". I was awed by their command and sat silently. My SIL giggled at me. I ignored her and watched these kids.

They started constructing a 3 storey building with the pack of 52 cards. They laid each cards so perfectly that it automatically attained the form of a perfect triangle. After giving some final touches, they turned towards me. Their eyes shone with curiosity and expectation. I let out a big WOW that they both got astonished with my reaction. Anuttara came near me and said, "Hey Shruti, bend down, I want to ask you something". I sat in the chair and she climbed a stool lying nearby to whisper in my ears. "How was it shruti? Tell me frankly. Don't try to convince us". I was completely moved listening to this. The reason is, I never expected such a matured speech from a 5 year old. I hugged her and gave a peck in her cheeks. I went near them and said, "Listen sweeties, I love what you have did and it is so beautiful. We will keep this as a monument. Ok?!". They clapped their hands and jumped in Joy.

My cousin came hurriedly into the room. He tripped on the small table and the cards were shattered. We both expected them to burst into tears, devastated by what had happened to all their hard work. My brother felt really bad and he broke down saying sorry. But they surprised us. Instead, of crying, they collected all the shattered cards. By laughing and holding hands, they went near him and uttered, "Its ok dad". They went into another room and started constructing the building again!

I realized that they had taught me an important lesson. All things in our life, all the complicated structures we spend so much time and energy creating, are built on card like things, which can shatter the moment a strong wind blows. Only our relationships to other people lasts. Sooner or later, something will pop up and knock down what we have worked so hard to build up. When that happens, only the person who has somebody's hand to hold will be able to laugh. The Power of Holding Hands of someone (Mother, father, sister, brother or it can be a friend too) have greater strength which can overcome any storm.

With Love,

Image Courtesy : Google Images