Thursday, June 30, 2011

Coming of Age

I know sonny boy will protest at yet another reference to the metro but this one’s really called-for, if I may say so. For years, my one major crib with daughter dear was her complete dependence on us for the smallest of things. She would simply not do anything on her own-the general diffidence, the lifestyle (blame your truly for that) the lack of opportunity and last but not least, because of being the youngest member of the family-the younger of two siblings-made her kind of being over-protected. All this added substantially to this state of affairs. As a cumulative effect, the young lady could/would never do a thing by herself, even if it meant buying a much-loved McD burger from the outlet while the rest of us were picking up our choices from the food court. No, someone had to get it for her and when we resisted, she would sulk till it was done. All the grumbling notwithstanding

Into this rather wanting scene, came the metro. The situation changed and how! The summer just past has seen the self same youngster traipse all over the NCR-alone and unescorted-, going for her internship, catching up with friends , watching a movie or just chilling…she’s managed all that and more. What is more, she’s even done some rounds of shopping for me when I was unable to make it. All this has been done with complete élan and the kind of poise and confidence that I take great pride in! A year’s exposure in the hostel has contributed, no doubt, but this freedom, this mobility hadn’t been possible till now.

While the gal herself is very happy with this new-found independence, I am no less delighted.

Way to go, Srishti!!

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