He Misses Us Too

This happened two years ago. The year 2023 etched a considerable mark on my family and me forever. 18th December 2023 was the day my grandpa ascended to the heavens. Let me give a background. He was 81, had a sturdy demeanor, was religious, and was an astrologer (a real one). On the evening of Dec 10, my daughter and I waved goodbye to him after meeting for a while. He waved back too with a warm smile, lest we knew it would be the last meeting of 3 generations together. Nothing in it is haunting, but tragic.

His Death:

He went to purchase some medicines on the morning of 10 December. He lost consciousness and slipped from the stairs. He fell with such force that his skull faced internal injuries, causing intracranial hemorrhage. His jaw suffered a minor fracture as well, due to which he was not able to speak in his last moments. My mother, brother, and cousin rushed to his aid after receiving a call from a noble individual. He was admitted to a hospital nearby. On the way, he was trying to speak but couldn't say anything. Upon arrival, he was put on a life support system.

The treatment lasted for 48 hours, and then he was medically monitored for potential revival. The medical fraternity did everything to revive him, but at 11:45 pm, Dec 18, he breathed his last. Hearing this news, we were shattered to the core. Though we were mentally prepared to see him slowly drifting away on the other side, you can understand how it feels to be helpless at such a moment. Later that night, he was brought home, sleeping in the lap of eternity, with peace on his face. I & my brother held ourselves strong.

Cremation & Remaining Rituals:

In Hinduism, we cremate the dead by burning them. It is believed that the soul merges in 5 elements (air, earth, water, fire, and space). The same night, my brother dreamt of him. My family was sitting, and my grandpa was there, looking at his kin and smiling. The post-mourning rituals last for 13 days. In between, my birthday came (X-mas day), and my grandpa wasn't here. I dreamt of him where he was hale & hearty- came to wish me- and vanished (I'm in tears while writing this).

During this week, my family saw the dead grandpa in their dreams. Eventually, this slowed down.

Now, we see him sometimes in our dreams. Looks like he's protecting his kin from the unseen danger, talks to us as if he misses us too, and makes his divine presence felt. I'll always cherish every moment spent with him. May God bless his soul.

Love you, Grandpa.