Dear tata and ammamma..

To begin with, the two words in the title mean grandpa and grandma respectively, in Tamil. 

Hi, 

Tata, wherever you are, and whichever form you’ve assumed, I hope your story telling talents still leave people in awe. I could still use some vocabulary lessons from you if you’re not too busy! 

The day you started your journey to beyond the realm of the living, I remember akka( sister) telling me that I shouldn’t be afraid to sleep in the dark because your spirit would always be there to protect me and sing me sweet and soothing lullabies. 

I won’t lie, that was a terrifying thing to say to a child but right now, as I have successfully gained two decades of experience in terms of living life, I don’t mind the little visits from you. In fact, I’ve always hoped that you would come some day. 

I won’t say that I’ve accomplished anything groundbreaking yet but I did manage to get into medical school. 

I hope you saw how I talked that old lady into believing that she was the strongest woman on this planet! 

Tata, I wasn’t happy how uncle a.k.a your son sold that lovely house of ours for some second hand and poor excuse for a home. 

I hated him for that, I still do, sometimes. But I’ve realised that nothing is going to come out of that. Most of the times I have no clue as to what my goals in life are but the one thing I WANT to do, is to get that house back and just, have the entire family pieced back together, just like old times. 

Ammamma, I know your last days weren’t the most peaceful ones in your life but it would give me immense happiness to know that you’re at peace now, having been united with your better half and to watch over all your kids walking down roads with happy smiles. 

Even today, when I see the photographs of me as a child, memories of me sitting in your lap, laughing to the point of crying, annoying you for food, etc come back in full force. 

Ammamma do you remember the time when I did exactly as you said and tried to get in your good books just so I could get that board game? Haha. 

I apologise for being such an annoying kid but I know you loved me nevertheless. 

The day some idiot came and snatched the necklace out of your neck, I was blinded by anger and I ran aimlessly on the road that night, chasing an invisible fugitive. That was the first time I knew how strong one’s love can be and what it can make them do. I prayed that you’d never have to go through any of that again. 

I still remember that one day when I didn’t hold your hand while walking, you were old and weak and you fell because there was nobody to support you. I curse myself to this day for that mistake. I am really very sorry. 

I am immensely thankful to you for putting up with my two tyrant puppies and never once did you complain. You embraced their presence and I can’t express in words, how much I love you for that. 

I miss both of you. People can call me crazy all they want but if I have to believe in ghosts and spirits in order to see you again, I’d gladly give up my sanity. 

I see your faces in every old person that walks on the face of this earth and I can’t help but feel the urge to run into their arms and cry my eyes out. I feel like I’m finally home. I feel like you’re in there somewhere. 

You both, are my true inspirations. When I finally become a doctor, I want to run a home, not a hospital. I want to come waltzing in with positive energy that brings in a smile on all those people’s faces. Old and young. 

I want to spend day in and day out trying to be their best companion. 

I want to hug each one of them, take selfies with them and hand them their favourite food on secret cheat days. Just like I did for you. Yes yes, I won’t cause them harm, I promise! 

All in hopes that my life would be filled with people just like you, to grace me with their presence everyday. 

I don’t want to hang advertisements and my degrees on my wall. I want to cover the walls with the memories I share with these people. Does that sound like a good idea? 

I’ll even screen some old movies, organise music nights and bingo sessions for them! Will you come tata and ammamma? 

You should. You’ll be missing out if you don’t! 

I love you. Forever and ever. 

Well, I guess that’s where my love for old people stems from. Sometimes, I feel like I’m being selfish when I think of all this. Would I have loved these people the same way if my grandparents were still alive? 

I don’t know. 

Whatever it is, I plan on making all this happen. There’s too many old granpas and grandmas that need my company. 

Hold up folks! I’m not too far away! 

A.W.