The Rhythm of an Hourglass...

She stood at her window, holding between her palms simmering mug of coffee. Bending forward, she tried catching a glimpse of the children playing in the park that outlook from her room. In a flash, she traversed through the precious days that she’s left behind her in the dungeon of memoirs...

Her tiny little fingers clutching on tightly to his strong arms that were like her shield against the odds. She felt protected, she felt secure, as she curled herself around them in the warmth of his love. Holding his hands, she took her first step towards the inevitable journey of life. Millions of innocent dreams shone like the brightest of stars in her dreamy eyes. And amidst those glistening pearls in that very moment, somebody made a silent promise to themselves. The promise to preserve the beauty of those dreams. To safeguard them from getting tainted with this one big crowded world.

She was like any other child, playing in her own tunes of happiness. Carefree, without any inhibitions, infusing every bit in the moment. He would be around her, keeping a vigilant watch on his darling and the moment he slipped out of her sight, her eyes frantically searched for him. He was like the wind beneath her wings each time she sat on the swing. He would push the swing gently, taking utmost care of his beloved child from getting hurt. The instant her swing took flight in the air, she felt like she could conquer the entire world. She was nervous yet certain, anxious yet cheerful, curious yet ecstatic! For she knew he would hold her back. He would not let her fall down, he would not let her castle of fantasies shatter. He was her daddy, her hero!

Like the fallen leaves in autumn that sweep along the gush of winds or the colorful flowers that effortlessly blooms in the season of spring. Days spiralled into months and months into years. It wasn’t the change in season alone, though. The once sweet little girl evolved to be a graceful lady. They say, ‘every summer like the roses, childhood returns.’ But the child in her never left, it was very much present, however, it took the form of maturity. How could she let go of the precious memories she’d created with the man of her life? She treasured them like they were her priceless possessions. There’s a funny side to memories. When you are living in them you never realize you are creating one. And once you realize, it’s already created! They then become the food for your soul, reason for your existence and meaning to your repressed aspirations!

She often takes the route to that park and sits there for hours. Her blank gaze fixed at the motionless swings which are still there, bearing witness to innumerable naive desires. It was here that she dreamt of touching the rainbow, reaching for the stars or even painting the color of the sky in her own shades. Whatever a young, gullible mind could fantasize on and the source it sprang from- was her daddy. He taught her to believe in the power of dreams, who had faith in her illusions even if they were petite or meant baseless to others. She was basking in the stream of reminiscences that drowned her completely.

It made her wonder about her transition, about the two different personalities she’d developed over the years. The one which is visible to everyone- firm and assertive. Someone who will stand for righteousness no matter what. While the other one which is deeply embedded in the chambers of her soul, that of a fragile, delicate girl. Who still wishes to envelope herself in the affection of her hero, just like a shawl does in winter!

She believed in the fact of making the most out of challenges. Her indomitable spirit was invincible and almost contagious to the people around her. It was her courage that leads her to cut across the darkness and emerge a strong person that she is today. But what kept her going? What transformed her composure, what was the driving force behind her poise? Isn’t it surreal to comprehend these changes, lest there are some underlying reasons for them? Well, in her quest to give meaning to his unfulfilled promise. She became one of them! The promise of her daddy, to protect her and her dreams against the unfavorable winds.

Instead of making his absence her weakness, she chose to make it her strength. Even though his lack pricked in her being every moment. Rather, she decided to embrace his aura in every step she took and the every move she made. She was certain that his guiding hands on her shoulder will remain with her forever, even though his physical presence wasn’t there. If she could be his angel at some point of time, why can’t he be her angel now? He wasn’t a hero known by the world. But a hero he was to his little girl!