Today reminds me of 27 years of goodbyes.

 

Tonight, we will be bidding farewell to my nephew, Bablu, who has been with us for a month, along with his family, bringing immense joy to all of us. Goodbyes are never easy for either of us and we will miss him and his family until their next visit.

Today for the umpteenth time he will be leaving us, the close-knit family of his parents. This constant leave-taking started exactly 27 years ago in July 1996. At first, it was for education, BDS Course at Pune for five years, and then to New Delhi for the MDS Course at All India Institute of Medical Sciences for two years. His journey then took him to various locations, including Lucknow, Dammam in Saudi Arabia, Dunedin in New Zealand and then to other places in the USA where he held different jobs.

Today, he is embarking on his journey back to his home in the USA. However much we wish him to be with us longer, it is not possible because of his commitments. We only wish that he can visit us often and pray that wherever he is, he is always happy and in good health.

The attached photographs are from our first farewell party for him in July 1996. 

Canteen ambience at home; begets smiles!

In the canteen, trays are a staple, it's true,

For engineers like me, the manufacturing crew.

But for the ladies, so far from this scene,

The trays bring joy, like nothing they've seen.

With no connection to canteens or their use,

The trays, to them, bring a smile and amuse.

In their world, where meals are served with grace,

The sight of trays brings a playful embrace.

For those in industries, it's just a tool,

A simple vessel for food, nothing too cool.

But to the ladies, it's a break from routine,

A chance to revel in a tray-based cuisine.

So let's celebrate these trays, big and small,

Bringing smiles to faces, one and all.

In canteens or homes, wherever they're found,

These trays bring happiness, spreading joy around.

As the onset of monsoon gets delayed…

 

Summer season, you've lingered so strong,

With heat waves that lasted far too long.

Please bid us farewell,

Let cool breezes swell,

And bring us the rain's soothing song.

I let these flowers flourish, wild and free!

 

In a garden bathed in golden sun,

I saw delicate flowers, each and every one.

Their petals danced with grace, so fair,

But a dilemma arose, a challenge to bear.

For my dear grandmother, with loving hands,

Sought to pluck those blooms from their lands.

To gather them, as was her devout task,

To present to God, a humble chore.

But in my heart, I felt a whispering plea,

To let these flowers flourish, wild and free.

To preserve their beauty, to let them thrive,

And offer gratitude while they're alive.

So, with gentle words and tender care,

I persuaded my grandmother, unaware,

To embrace a different way, serene and kind,

To let the flowers live, a gift to the divine.

We knelt together, in peaceful surrender,

Bowing our heads, hearts pure and tender.

I held her hand, a bond that would forever last,

As we offered prayers, the present unsurpassed.

For in that moment, we found harmony's embrace,

A lesson learned, love's true grace.

To honour nature's wonders, in their rightful place,

And let the flowers bloom, adorned with grace.

Today, I helped these flowers bloom,

And helped my grandmother too.

We shared a bond, deep and true,

Preserving beauty, as God would wish us to.

May these flowers, untouched and whole,

Continue to bloom, touching every soul.

And may we, in our actions, forever see,

The beauty of life, nurtured and free.

Farewell, dear Uday and family, till we meet again!

 

In Hyderabad's embrace, we three siblings dwell,

Bound by blood, a story we all can tell.

Our children, a joyful bunch of seven,

United in Hyderabad's haven.

 

Two cousins ventured abroad, seeking their fate,

In pursuit of dreams, a new life to create.

Yet our bond remained strong, no distance could sever,

As our hearts held them close, though oceans did sever.

 

Now the seven cousins, a growing band,

With offspring, a vibrant eight, hand in hand.

Six little ones in Hyderabad's care,

While Vihaan and Nikith, are in Texas Air.

 

After five long years, a reunion at last,

For a fortnight, Srilekha - our house, in Merriment was cast.

Laughter filled the rooms, happiness profound,

As the children mingled, their joy was unbound.

 

Vihaan, Atharv, Nikith, and Avyaansh, a quartet,

Together, their spirits soared, no limit was set.

Watching them in harmony, our hearts aglow,

A symphony of youth, a beautiful tableau.

 

But alas, the Texas boys must bid farewell,

As the day of parting casts its sorrowful spell.

Goodbyes will be said with hearts heavy and pained,

Both young and old, our souls intertwined.

 

As we wave them off, tears filling our eyes,

A wish echoes within, reaching the skies.

May we meet more often, this family so dear,

Sharing love and laughter, year after year.

 

For in our togetherness lies true delight,

The essence of family, is a guiding light.

Though distances separate, our bond is strong,

And in our hearts, the memories belong.

 

Farewell, dear Uday and family, till we meet again,

May the paths you tread be free of strife and pain.

Until that day, our love will forever hold,

Within the depths of our souls, a story untold.