And the bird has taken wing

The chirping of the birds, excited and enthusiastic, commencing the day with a chatter every morning as they nibble on the bread crumbs in the balcony, seems distant despite its presence just this morning.

***********

The home here in Singapore has visitors every morning. Even before I open my eyes, I hear them outside, waiting with an eagerness matched by none. They return daily, with the trust that they will find what they are looking for, as they have done for all these days. She ensures that this trust of the birds remains unbroken, and they come back for those bread crumbs almost as a routine now.

Tomorrow though, will be different, and these birds will be among the first ones to sense the difference. The provider of these bread crumbs has taken wings herself; she has taken off on a flight that will now take her places. The flight which will build her future, and ensure she blossoms into one of those very beautiful birds that she herself provided crumbs to everyday. 

It won't be just those birds though that will feel different; there will be the others who'll realize whats missing. And despite the face of strength I have put on the last few weeks, as an elder brother in front of his sister, the moment I waved bye to her, I started missing her. Amidst the happiness of her moving successfully into a new phase of life, I realized that those small arguments, all the lecturing I've done, and the shouting here and there, will reduce in frequency now. So much so, that I will yearn to live them again. At times, the presence of someone is taken for granted, and somehow, this is ever so prevalent in the relationship between siblings.

The moment I stepped back into the house after dropping her off at the hostel where I have spent a good part of two years myself, the house whined in her absence. It came whispering in my ears that it misses the youngest and probably the liveliest member of the house. All it told me was, that along with the birds, along with the other family members, even it will miss my sister as she heads off into a direction that will take her a long way. The bird which I love more than I can ever tell her, has taken off, and I see her flying somewhere over the rainbow.

***********

I love you Ria, and I miss you already. Yet, I know the next time I see you, I will feign a show of brash "been-there-done-that". Just know, that deep inside, I miss you more than I can ever tell you.

A new entry to the list of "Firsts"

24th July 2011

Its 11.30pm, and I am in a place I do not usually associate with myself at that time of the day. The bed. Wrapped in the blanket, eyes closed, trying to count the sheep that lull me to sleep. However, there's a sense of anticipation tonight. An excitement felt only on an eve of a new beginning. I recall this fluttering feeling before the first day of a new grade in school; the expectations from a new class, new teachers, and a new stage to showcase all that you've got. After a long time such anticipation has resurfaced, finally making its way back, the night before I start the first day of my career.

**********

25th July 2011

As the morning set its sight on the day ahead, the nervous energy of last night had faded. Replacing it was the realization that, today would be one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" experiences that would warrant a special place down the years. Leaving home for my first day at work, it only seemed apt to look at the young ambitious youngster who had set foot in Singapore four years ago (almost to the date!). Determined to make the most of his time at the National University of Singapore, experiences taught the boy aspects of life; failure and troughs, making and losing friends, and most importantly, discovering what one wants from oneself. Now, equipped with a Bachelor's degree in an area which he's decided to bid adieu to, he set foot on his first ever journey to the job that would remain special to him. Like your first car, first bike, first crush, first relationship, your first job holds a place very special in your heart. No matter how many more come, you look back at it with some sense of fondness.

Giving me my share of fond memories, the day itself at work panned out like one which may seem nothing extraordinary to anyone else, but for those experiencing it. The faces of newly joined graduates, punctuated now with an expression of excitement, all looked ahead to a job they've worked hard to earn. The best part about the first day of a new job is the lack of any past to dwell upon and worry about. All that's there is the opportunity to make new incidents, and leave a mark. In everyone's mind, a picture perfect career has probably taken shape, one where they hope to go places, and continue the progress in the relay race that was once started by their elders. It is however, this very uncertainty of the future, and anticipation of experiencing the best, that makes this day special to everyone who has had the pleasure of experiencing it.

As far as first days go, I am glad I can say that at the end of it, I lived it and I loved it. And as with the many other firsts in life, this would acquire that very special spot which would be preserved, only to be rekindled in moments of deepest desire.