Meaning of Life

In light of recent suicide cases in the city, we were discussing meaning of life in the 21^st century and our dwindling inherent values. In one word, we were talking about Absurdism. I may sound like an intellectual but it was a normal, lighthearted conversation over tea among our family and friends. Gradually the discussion became vibrant and intense. Suddenly Oishik joined us from the other room. As soon as he entered, the whisper around was – “Our Dadu (elderly person) has arrived”. We stopped the discussion. But he naively asked – “What are you discussing?” Not sure if he overheard anything.

His Mum-mum said – “Nothing.”

He was about to leave, when I mentioned – “We were discussing meaning of life”. I knew he had something to say.

He quipped - “I know. Life means Z-Bangla”. We burst into laughter hearing his 180 degree comment. I would like to add here that “Jeeban mane Z-Bangla” (Life means Z-Bangla) is a tagline of a popular Bengali TV channel. Oishik participated in one of their well-known programs, “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa”.

He continued

–     “To Mum-mum, life means being the best”. His Mum-mum would always say – “Be the best” (which is Platonism).

-      “To Dad-dad, life means being happy”. I do not think I have said anything in that line to him. But I do believe in Aristotelianism. Hearing this, everyone doubted his age.

Then the inevitable question from everyone – “What life means to you?”

He said – “Life means power”.

We looked at each other. Did he know what he was saying? Is it the mantra of 21^st Century? Considering his love for music, I thought he would say something different, like – “Life means singing a song”. So I asked – “Why?”

It was the final blow to tickle our funny bone and knock us down on the floor – “Because, Jeevan (G.One) killed Raavan (Ra.One).”

Sleeping Pills

Rich is 6+. But still, at night, he will retire only when his Mum-Mum strokes his back. Old habits die hard. Few days ago, I was trying to make him sleep by telling stories and massaging his back. These days I seldom get such opportunity. After twenty minutes of sincere effort, I retired. I dosed-off. I was suddenly awakened by a slap on my wrist, accompanied with the sound “Dad-DaaaaaD”. Sudden change in my state made me angry. I declared loudly – “Enough! I can no longer massage. Close your eyes and try to sleep by yourself.”

Rich was spontaneous to reply – “I cannot sleep without the pats from Mum-Mum.”

I was about to respond - “What I was doing then for last twenty minutes?” But then I checked myself and responded - “What do you mean?”

He replied - “It is like your pills without which you do not get sleep”.

For last few months I am taking pills every night as my triglyceride level was detected very high. When the triglyceride level rises, I spend sleepless night due to severe leg pain. I digested his heavy words but did not lower my voice

-          “You cannot expect your Mum-Mum to be beside you always”.

His answer was ready

-          “I will take her wherever I go”

-          “We are not going to be here forever”.

This time he was quicker and more spontaneous

-          “I shall never sleep when Mum-mum becomes star”

It was another sleepless night for me.