When You Go, Bappa...

Dear Bappa,

You will be leaving tomorrow. But you won't be going alone.

With you, will depart a week of bliss where the only concern of the day was, what meal to prepare as an offering for you.

Also will depart with you, evenings spent in rushed preparation of prasad and the relief when the meal turned out okay, when people came together as a community, spent some quality time with each other and reminded everyone about neighbourhood, community spirit and friendships that don't need any labels.

Those days will leave with you, when we forgot the usual routine and the numerous worries that come with the package of adulthood.

You will be taking with you, the moments of happiness and togetherness that only YOU, Bappa, can bring in a community.

Another week looms threateningly ahead, a week that will feel terribly dull and mundane without you. But what will help us get through it, is all the memories that are associated with you, Bappa, and your promise that you will visit us again next year, bringing back happy times and blissful moments.

That's all the hope we need. Thank you for everything that you blessed us with!

Until next year, Bappa. Agle baras tujhko aana hi hoga!