The morning of 26th January 2011 began like any other @ 6.30AM... I switched off the alarm that croons every morning "..ehsaan itna sa kar dey" as if gently reminding me that I need to do the world a favor by getting off my ass and doing my earthly duties. I walked slowly with my eyes shut (my eyelids refuse to give way these days and my aging knees dont permit speed early in the morning) in the cold darkness, with mechanical precision to Raunaq' room and switched off his fan, snoogled up with him for a bit and then cajoled him to get up. After ablutioning and stuffing our faces with some breakfast we left for his school ... and while we were waiting for the lift Raunaq snapped at me for something inane and we got into a spat over how each of us should not be speaking to each other -- this sudden aggression is a new phenomenon I am occasionally seeing in my adolescent son (needless to say that these are spurts that dont last long and the love bond we share is rock solid!). Thankfully the lift arrived with some unassuming equally bleary eyed people clutching onto their sides for whatever warmth they could garner what with the temperature still hovering below 18 degrees early in the mornings. I sullenly walked in with Raunaq close behind me. I stiffly walked ahead of Raunaq and as we were walking out of the gate someone from the building called out to him ... it was a family whose little daughter Anushka studies in the same school as him. They offered us a lift and although I was irritated thanks to the spat I agreed and got into their CRV.
As I thanked them and exchanged pleasantries Raunaq gave me a side hug and whispered 'Sorry Mom' and I looked at him and nodded approval and the tenseness was over. Anushka was dolled up with make-up and a colorful costume looking adorable all set to do a dance at the school function that morning. Raunaq was dressed in his bright yellow basketball colors .. jersey number 10, shorts and keds. Anushka' father asked looking at the trophy in Raunaq' hand, 'So what is the trophy for?'. Our team won an interschool basketball match Uncle ... this is the MSSA tournament that takes place every year and our team participated and won ... 'Wow! thats cool' and I swelled with pride.
As we entered the school the backyard was milling with students, teachers, helpers and excited parents. A pole stood in the centre with the flag tied to the top in a knot waiting to be hoisted. Soon the welcome address commenced by the Sports Coordinator as the Principal was away for an international tour, the flag was unfurled by the oldest member of the school administration and the crowd began to sing the national anthem. As always, a chill ran down my spine as I watched the motley crowd mouthing the jaya he jaya he ... and when the head girl and boy took the school oath with the entire crowd standing in attention with their right hand extended my tears escaped my eyes and flowed onto my cheeks ... I couldn't help reminisce my school days, the naval parades, flag hoisting at papa' ships and INS Chilka, the illuminated Govt institutions and all the great leaders who have led us to freedom and allowed us this moment of joy 60 years later.
The program organised by the school teachers and students was a burst of color and music and grace and some lovely messages of making the world a better place. Raunaq and his team came on stage to receive their award/trophy for the series of basketball matches they had won in the past month ... moment of pride indeed :)
I had a lovely emotional morning and returned to my building well in time for the flag hoisting ceremony there. Some songs, speeches and recitations by kids and adults alike and a delicious plate of snacks and loads of pleasantries.
I bought 5 flags from a road-side vendor a kid probably the same age as my son ... his name was Abdul and he wanted me to click his picture with his friends which I promptly did ... his smile was priceless... the republic of India had provided him freedom of speech, earn a living of his choice and unabashedly ask for a picture to be taken with a smile without any fear ... he actually made my day!
