Page 4 - It's in the DNA_Neat

You see, he has started forgetting things. Not the way I forget my water–bottle in
school, ever so often. But stuff that he knew always –like some letters and some
names. His hands and fingers are always moving about, as if he is waving at some-
one, but when he tries to walk putting his feet forward properly is a struggle. Some-
times all the flailing and waving knocks things off the table, embarrassing him.

He called Papa to say that the time had come for him to move in with us, into the
flat we stayed in. We immediately packed our overnight bags and Papa drove to

Dadaji’s little village. While we were there, Mamma was busy packing Dadaji’s pos-
sessions and tidying up the place. Papa took Dadaji on house visits to neighbors
and relatives. Since I was getting in Mamma’s way, I was also sent with them on
some of these house visits.

I was not listening to most of the conversations, content to enjoy the snacks and if
there were any kids in the house, play a quick game of Snakes and Ladders with
them. But one particular visit was interesting. Dadaji’s elder brother has converted
his house to a guesthouse. People from the city book the cottage for a few days,

to relax, breathe the clear mountain air and wind down before they return to their
daily routine.