A new beginning!

Not many people have the opportunity to decide what they want the world to remember them as...their sole remembrance - their obituaries are often crafted by eloquent writers who have no semblance of who the person in question is...this strange thought struck my head early morning - perhaps because since dawn, my phone has been buzzing and ringing today - friends and relatives, near and dear ones, from here and there, some known and some unknown - every body has been kind and warm enough to make my birthday special today. To all those who remembered, thank you so much - I am overwhelmed by your generosity. To all those who forgot - :)

I always remembered how eagerly I used to wait for my b'day - a day when you would go to school in fancy clothing - probably to indicate that you were the b'day boy/girl; distribute chocolates to your friends in class, come back home and get tons of gifts from your folks, have a party in the evening - it was an altogether different rush!

Apparently, I have turned 25 today (my folks tell me that and I take their word for it)...
The first thought was the song "18 till I die" playing in my head...come to think of it - I would not mind being 18 forever - but the inevitable process of aging takes over.

Most people reactions while wishing me was - "where's d party?".
Non-chalantly i replied to every one - "Wherever you wish"
This was often met by the remarks which labored around the point that your birthday is supposed to be a special day (and somehow it was related to the point that I ought to go out and party). Somehow, for me, this is like any other day - probably the fact that I tend to enjoy most days in my life make the "specialness", less special... :)

In ways more than words can convey, there are two things that have made my day special today.

Firstly, the sheer delight across my mom's face to see me grow so big (awww); my folks feelings (especially dad - as he sits across miles away and watches me cut the cake through the web - thank you yahoo!). There is nothing more rejuvanating and energizing than being in company of people who really care for you.

Secondly, the fact that I died today (no, no, its not that dramatic - in a literal sense).
Its like a layer of your persona has been shed to reveal another.
I feel like a new person altogether - ready to explore the world all over again.
This faintly reminded me of the four chakras in Hinduism or the seven stages of life as so elegantly penned down by Shakespeare.

But frankly speaking, I feel enthused by the things that await me...with a li'l apprehension and with a lot of spirit of adventure and discovery.

Only time will tell. Probably, the next 25 years.

- Shobhit Agrawal
7/12/2010
(turned 25 today)

P.S.: I thank whatever gods may be!