When I visited this shelter home during my Village Visit of 96th Foundation Course, I learned about many life stories. Some narrated bitter experience of being expelled from their own home by their sons/daughters/daughter-in laws. Some walked out without any destination in mind because their self-esteem was hurt beyond repair. Some chose to pack their bags and let their kids live "free from burden", as they did all their life. While some others landed up here because their children's life had met a tragic end. But all these stories were woven with same thread in the colours of dark travesty. Another common thread was their dreams and aspirations for their children. The sacrifices they made and egos forsaken so that children could grow up and fly out in the wider world are now being repaid through this great turmoil. Today all they seek is laughter, and warmth from people who visit them. Spending time with them made me internalise what was put out vividly on one of the wall "नीचे गिरे पत्तों पर अदब से चलना ज़रा, कभी कड़ी धूप में तुमने इन्हीं से पनाह माँगी थी।"
Comments