Phases Of Life

C H I L D H O O D

He was born at Seva Sadan Hospital in Daltonganj, Jharkhand, on a Tuesday night at 2:25 am, just like a scene from a movie. Coincidentally, it was raining at the time, giving it a cinematic touch. He arrived in this world as a frail, underweight baby, just like all babies, with a future full of possibilities.

As is the custom in many families, the elders had placed various items in front of him, a tradition where the child is expected to choose, symbolizing what they will become in the future. It's a blend of old-world beliefs and the child's own inclinations. Among the items laid out before him were a book, money, a figurine of a deity, a knife, chocolates, toys, and clothes.

This ritual, though symbolic, was significant in shaping his future. It was a moment of wonder, much like scenes from childhood stories, where the world is full of endless possibilities. Little did he know then that the journey ahead would take him far from his place of birth and lead to unique experiences that he would later share with others.

When the choice was presented before him - a book, money, a statue of God, a knife, chocolates, toys, and clothes - he reached for the money and toys. His grandparents had different visions for his future. They believed he would grow up to be a successful man, making a significant income. However, his parents had noticed his inclination toward toys, understanding that he might not pursue anything substantial in life. One might wonder how he recalls these events from his childhood, but upon reflection, it becomes clear. He entered a phase of life that everyone cherishes - childhood, where innocence reigns and the world is a place of wonder and discovery.

It was a time filled with simple joys, where playing, eating, and exploring new things were the essence of life. Those peculiar dreams that visited him at night held no meaning, yet they were an integral part of his childhood experiences. As he writes, a particular song echoes in his mind, capturing the essence of those carefree days. As an ordinary child, he gradually started understanding the world, learning its ways, and discovering the intricacies of life. Despite the passage of time, the memories of his early years remained vivid, shaping the person he was becoming. Before delving into the details, let's first understand how his parents met.

In his family, there were eight sons and one daughter from his paternal grandfather, who, it seemed, had an exceptionally romantic disposition. His maternal grandfather shared a similar sentiment, having three sons and three daughters. His father occupied the third position among his siblings. The family's history was a testament to miracles, with his mother also being the third daughter in her family.

His paternal grandfather, despite his romantic inclinations, didn't impose his desires on his children. Education held paramount importance in their family. His father and two younger uncles were particularly determined. Although financial stability was a distant dream, his father pursued a law degree, showcasing immense perseverance and resilience. In the year 1999, his parents' union took place. At that time, they were residing in a rented accommodation due to the absence of their own home. Despite the challenges, his father undertook every possible endeavor within his capacity.

The culmination of their love story occurred in 2001 when he was born, bringing joy and hope to their lives. In his early years, he lived in a rented house where peculiar incidents became a part of his everyday life. One incident that stands out was when he was just two years old. At that age, he could barely walk, but fate had other plans for him. One day, the older boys from the neighborhood, perhaps lacking the wisdom to comprehend the capabilities of a toddler, decided to play a prank on him. In an attempt to teach him how to swim, they tossed him into a well. Surprisingly, he managed to float and, to everyone's astonishment, survived the ordeal. His mother, vigilant as always, witnessed the incident and promptly rescued him.

As he grew a little older, around the age of four or five, he learned to cross roads. One day, while he was navigating the streets, a kind stranger saved him from a potentially fatal accident. These incidents, although seemingly mundane, were the stepping stones of his early life.

His educational journey began at the age of two and a half when his father enrolled him in DAV Public School. Like any other child, he initially resisted the idea of going to school. The thought of being in a room filled with strangers was daunting. Even as he entered first grade, the concepts of boys and girls being distinct entities slowly dawned upon him. The awareness of these differences, at such a young age, was both perplexing and intriguing.