Bridging the Generation Gap
by The young people have a complaint. They feel that their elders did not contribute enough for them, for the nation and for the country.They feel deprived.
This question has kept me pondering for days and I have not been able to gather the energy to trace my words on paper. I am haunted by the young neighbor’s smiling shining dark eyes, the loving gaze reaching the depths of my spirit.
Her personality is magnetic and there is something special about her.
Living close with just a wall between us we both had the same thought -who is this person who lives next door. What is her name? is she a student, if yes what is she studying and where? What is her family like? What village in Pakistan? What interests does she have?
The mental inquiry was gradually gaining power by the strength of concentration and finally it took shape. She was in the lane with her mother and I was leaning against the terrace wall.
‘Hi’ a smiling happy face looked upto me, please come’
She was so eager loving and desirous that I immediately accepted the invitation.
Women are more social I guess’ as the story goes “two ladies stood and talked in the doorway for the two hours” they did not have time to go in’-
I found out that there were only ladies in the house next door… So my husband could not accompany me.
‘Social calling’ is the last thing favorable to my husband “I have found myself telling others. Well, I combed my short hair put a dash of lipstick and was ready to go
The welcome was warm and affectionate.
“Grandmother is here too’ in came a strongly built tall woman wearing dark glasses showing determination in her stride. She greeted me in the traditional way when the young ones stand in respect and then elders are the first to give a hug and a cheek to cheek greeting. This is the Eastern style.
‘Now where is your other daughter “I looked around for her.
“OH she is making tea for you’ Oh really? What satisfying words, what comfort at being so special? I was thinking’ why do they treat me like this? I have not done anything for them’ Are they just loving and caring people? Are they so neighbor loving?
Love care and respect in these times is rare.
The curtain moved and the young daughter, slim energetic eager, with the same determined steps came forward and this time I was the senior. I hugged her.’ How are you?’ her face was all smiles. I looked at the tea tray. “Small pieces of apple cut into thin slices, French fries now known as Freedom fries or Friendship fries, sweet balls which we call “Gulaab Jaman’ in Urdu language “Gulaab” meaning rose and “Jaman” a summer fruit’ but actually this food item is prepared with flour sugar egg and milk and the balls are then deep fried in oil.
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