15th August

Just felt like watching an Indian Flag Hoisting ceremony ...

Even though I am a self proclaimed - more patriotic than many, it always was a boring event for me back in the days.

I lived in a neighborhood where at least 4 schools(including mine of course) were within a distance of clear loudspeaker sound. I was always repelled by the high volumes, irrespective of the nicest melody being played.
Also, no matter how enthusiastically I practiced in bathroom, I would never think it was good enough for the stage and mic! So days like these mostly started with a negative undertone for me.

To my relief, the ceremonies used to be over by noon or so and we were home around lunchtime. Sure enough there was some Karma/Tiranga/Shaheed type movie running on DD. So the rest of the day was the real freedom and fun for the kids that we were :).

The best part was - four Boondi laddus in primary school to one tiger biscuit packet in secondary to snacks in college.

Never thought I would miss this but here I am!

Happy Independence Day :-).

Second

Second.

I'm not your first. You aren't mine either. 

My tailoring business gives me enough to lead my life with dignity and provide a future to my son. 

I've never really felt a need of another man after my husband's demise. 

However, I'm moved by your gesture of accepting my son as your own. 

My son has agreed to call you 'father' after you met and coddled him. 

I can't thank you enough for giving him the happiness that was long lost. 

You decided to marry even sooner after meeting me.

I want to tell you that it's a courageous step for me to trust life again. 

It must be a bold decision for you too. 

We are ready to take up this leap of faith called marriage, again.
We'll vow to complete each other's lives soon. 

I want to congratulate you for this new life and new beginning. 

I'm a person who picks happiness from little things in life. 

I promise, I'll make sure we put our best efforts to make it a happy 'Second'!

- (written by my kid sister, inspired by a widow remarriage)

This girl/lady is a neighbor from my hometown. Coming from what they call the 'poor and backward section' of the society, she was hardly educated and married off at a very young age. She had a son soon after. The husband was a good fellow. However, the in-laws disowned her and her infant son as soon as the husband died untimely.

We always had good terms with this family and our hearts went out for her when she returned to her parents' home and started taking menial tailoring work to raise her son. She persisted and the boy now studies in 9th std.

In those small cities of northern India, its still very difficult for a woman to resettle in her life after divorce or widowhood. Naturally, we felt delighted to hear the news of her remarriage after more than a decade of single-handed struggle.

How I want the society to change for the better!