One thing I am particulary happy about and enjoy is reconnecting with the family. Though I visited India every year, it was only for few days and even in that short period there was so much to do that I seldom found time to spend time with my family.
As soon as I returned, I took two weeks of holidays and went to my parent’s house. It is heartening to see smile on those old faces of my mom and dad, clearly expressing the joy of their heart. My mother cooked all kinds of food that she has learnt over the years. As they are living near a seashore, it was spicy seafood almost everyday.
My sister and her husband joined us for the last leg of my holiday. We took two one-day trips to near-by places. I got to know how naughty my brother-in-law is. My sister has to keep him under control. It was fun to find someone to make and enjoy jokes together.
In Madras, where I am working, I am staying in a house adjacent to my sister’s. It is my brother-in-law’s old house. They are renovating it for me (ofcourse with what I paid as advance). I eat in their house too. After around 5 years, I am having a family. Probably in this tough time, that is what I need. As grown-ups, my sister and I didn’t spend time together. I see this as a good opportunity for that.
On Saturday I took my motor bike (Suzuki Samurai) that I had left with a friend when I left India. There were starting troubles. But yesterday I drove around 45 kilometers to visit a relative. I have not seen them in 8 years. We had lot of good food, fun and playing with their kids.
Life is a paradox. When I was in Belgium, I got to know a family. But due to various reasons, I lost in touch with them. Before leaving Belgium, I visited their house for a brief time, just enough time to say good bye. They have come to India for holidays and are spending few days in Madras. I took Xavier (the shrewd Belgian who married an Indian girl, and getting best of both worlds) out and showed some parts of Madras that I know. This was a bonus, I didnt expect or plan.
I will be meeting some of my friends in the coming days.
So all in all, it has been a pleasure to reconnect with family and friends. Hope a longer stay in India will not remove that pleasure.