A rather unusual independence day today. A day when i finally had the misfortune of seeing a funeral pyre.
The place puts death in a very practical perspective. Outside you see the wall sculpture of 'yamraj' on his buffalo. Inside you can feel him. I saw uncle and aunty when i entered, and I could think of hundred words to say to console them, make them feel better, let them know I care. But at the moment all of them seemed insufficient .
I hated the pandit for the efficiency he went about with. I wanted him to slow down. I wanted him to give us time to say our last prayers. But he was practical as well. He new the mourning would not stop even if he gave time. So, he went on like an expert... making arrangements so that the fire was lit... and stayed lit
And thats how Death is as well. A practical reality. A state of existence which though statistically less probable, comes for all of us. It just makes me value life so much more. And be thankful for a lot i've taken for granted.
Goodbye Gaurav! Today we've given your elements back to nature... thanking each Carbon atom for the structure it once helped build. Now you do us a favor.. fight the odds once again and come back soon
Take care and God bless!
