Ritwik’s tête-à-tête with Ritu

Me talking to a 14yr old Me…

Ritu: Hello Ritwik bhaiya! Wishing you a very happy 32nd birthday!

Ritwik: Hi my dear Ritu! Many Many Happy Returns of the Day to you too! You turned 14, right?

Ritu: Yes bhaiya. You know what, I want to grow up fast and become like you. I mean I’m tired of studying all the time. The only time I enjoy is when I play cricket with my friends, do athletics and play football in school. Also, I have started enjoying my vocal classes.

Ritwik: Wow! That’s great dear. But let me tell you Ritu, enjoy your days now. Once you grow up, you would start missing your childhood and everything that’s attached with it. I’m saying this out of my experience. So, study hard and play harder. Also, don’t give up on your singing. You never know, when it would come handy.

Ritu: Ok bhaiya. Since you said, I would definitely try to follow them because I look up to you. I love you bhaiya!

Ritwik: Aww.. I love you to my dear! But you know what, I’m so jealous of you.

Ritu: What? What are you saying bhaiya? You jealous of me? I mean look at you! You are doing what you love. I mean you have been teaching kids senior to me, looking after your parents in your best possible way. What else one can ask for?

Ritwik: You are right about most of the things Ritu. But the reason why I envy you is because of your age. I have started feeling that I have spent half of my life already on this earth. I wish I could go back and make some changes so that things could have been slightly different from what it is now.

Ritu: I think I know what you are referring to Ritwik bhaiya. It’s about your broken marriage, right? Pardon me for asking bhaiya. I know as a 14 year old boy, maybe I shouldn’t be interfering in your personal matters, but I couldn’t resist from asking.

Ritwik: Hey that’s completely fine sweetheart! You know what, though you are only 14 years old, I have always felt you are more matured than your friends of the same age. I have observed this in you.

Ritu: Oh my God! Thank you for your kind words and that too when it comes from you, it means a lot to me.

Ritwik: You are welcome!

Ritu: So then bhaiya? Would you…?

Ritwik: So then what Ritu? Would I what?

Ritu: I mean would you mind sharing about your broken marriage?

Ritwik: Oh! I wouldn’t mind sharing about it, but not today dear. It’s our birthday, isn’t it? So why spoil it? And also, it was not just about broken marriage when I said I wish I could go back in time and change a few things. It included many other stuffs as well. But yes, marriage is one among them.

Ritu: Ok bhaiya. Whatever you say!

Ritwik: So tell me then. What are your plans for your birthday?

Ritu: I would be going out with few of my friends in the evening and then a dinner with parents. What about you bhaiya?

Ritwik: That’s nice Ritu. I would be spending my birthday teaching kids (in the morning) and then spending the remaining day with parents at home.

Ritu: So you have no plans to celebrate?

Ritwik: Not this year. I just thought celebrations can wait. Maybe next year.

Ritu: I understand.

Ritwik: See, this is what I was referring to. You understand such a lot of things at your age of 14. You get to know about things without being told.

Ritu: I have heard the same about you bhaiya.

Ritwik: Aaha! So now we have a mutual admiration club going on.

Ritu: As I said, I look up to you and since I don’t have an elder sibling, I try to relate things with you and do it as you would.

Ritwik: I was also raised without a sibling. And don’t worry, I’m always there for you Ritu. You may call me anytime you want. I will be there.

Ritu: I’m touched!

Ritwik: Ok Ritu. Before we bid goodbye, I have one last thing to tell you. It’s for your own good.

Ritu: Yes bhaiya. I’m all ears.

Ritwik: Ritu, you are just 14. You have a very long life ahead. And I assure you that it’s not going to be a smooth road at all. You would fail. Everyone does. There would be obstacles and hurdles thrown at you. You may tackle some and move ahead. And some would make you fall. But always remember to get up. Even if takes time, do get up. That is what matters. What defines us is how we rise after every fall. Secondly, you may feel parents don’t understand you at times. Even I get that feeling at this age. But remember this Ritu, only our family loves us unconditionally. Respect them, love them and spend as much time as you can with them. You may have friends today, tomorrow you may not have. Family is something that stays with you throughout. Lastly, do what your heart says. Follow your passion. Rest everything will fall in place.

Ritu: Wow! That was so motivating. Feel like listening to you all day. But yes, I’ll try my best to follow everything you just said. And when I’m in any doubt, will come to you.

Ritwik: Sure thing! I would always love to help you. I see myself in you, and that’s exactly why I don’t want you to make the same mistakes or take wrong decisions which I did. And last but not the least, it’s very much possible that you may not be able to continue your sports and athletics once you graduate from school, so make sure you don’t compromise on your fitness Ritu.

Ritu: Yes! I got you bhaiya. So when are we meeting like this next?

Ritwik: We would meet only next year now. Just kidding dear. You know I’m just a call away. Convey my love to your parents. Bye dear. Take care. God bless you.

Ritu: Hahaha. Yes big brother. Convey my love as well to uncle and aunty. Bye.