Chapter 2: Childhood

Index of Journals

2.1 The Mongoose and the Snake Tale

Back in the carefree days of our childhood, Manju bua, a captivating storyteller, once unfolded a short but impactful story—a tale of a snake and a pet mongoose. The narrative began with a harmonious family of four and their loyal mongoose. The parents, tasked with a temporary absence from home, devised a plan for the mongoose to guard their peacefully sleeping baby. The instructions were simple: guard the door and protect the child.

As the day unfolded, the mongoose remained steadfast, while an unexpected visitor, a snake, slithered its way into the scene. What ensued was a fierce battle between the mongoose and the snake, with bloodshed, screeching, and wild fighting. The snake, in its wounded state, managed to leave a blood trail leading to the baby. In a precarious moment, the mongoose seized the snake by its neck, preventing a potential tragedy.

However, fate took a cruel turn. The family returned to find a blood-soaked mongoose and assumed the worst—that the beloved pet had harmed their child. In a tragic misunderstanding, the mongoose, covered in the snake's blood, faced a brutal end at the hands of its owners. Little did they know that the baby was unharmed, peacefully waking from slumber.

This poignant story, shared with a captivating voice by Manju bua, left an indelible mark on young minds, a memory etched with the complexities of life, misunderstandings, and the irreversible consequences of hasty judgments.

2.2 A Mirror of Childhood - Anushka and Myself

Manju bua, ever observant, drew intriguing parallels between two generations, highlighting the similarities between her younger daughter Anushka (my youngest cousin) and my younger self. In the tapestry of family dynamics, she painted a vivid picture of my childhood antics, marked by adamant decisions and a penchant for doing things my way.

Recollections of my early years revealed a headstrong nature, often standing alone against the consensus of the household. Manju bua, with a playful smile, recounted the days when my decisions, whether right or wrong, carried an air of unwavering determination. A child of contrasts, I was both right and wrong, but always steadfast.

Anushka, at the tender age of three, mirrored these traits. Climbing onto Manju bua's shoulders, she displayed the same stubborn resolve, echoing the echoes of my childhood self. The familial tableau unfolded with Anushka replicating my past, crying, howling, yet refusing to articulate her wishes. In a poignant moment, Manju bua, drawing from the past, gently slapped Anushka, a symbolic act connecting the threads of two childhoods.

As the narrative unfolded, I found myself reflecting on the quirks and idiosyncrasies of my younger self, a testament to the enduring essence of childhood traits passed down through generations.

2.3 Lost Diaries and Forgotten Legacies

In the labyrinth of familial anecdotes, Grandma's visit to the U.S. in 1997 marked a pivotal moment. Winter's chill embraced December's final days, and as the New Year dawned, a new life entered the family—Sameer, born on January 8, 1998.

However, joy gave way to a poignant loss. Grandma returned to find her meticulously recorded diaries missing—a repository of ancestral tales and personal reflections. Blame was cast, fingers pointed, but the cherished diaries, chronicling generations from uncle to great-grandfathers, remained elusive.

A silver coin, a cherished family heirloom, also vanished, adding to the mystery of misplaced legacies. Grandma, ever respectful, refrained from uttering the names of grandpa's father and grandfather, invoking "LALAJI" as a reverent title. Through the haze of misplaced diaries, the family grappled with the challenge of preserving a tapestry woven with love, history, and unspoken connections.

2.4 Evolution of Landscapes - Gohana to Delhi

Gohana, a town resonating with familial echoes, held tales of ancestry that unfolded through layers of time. Phool Chand Jain, the linchpin, orchestrated a move to Tri Nagar, Delhi, in 1958, laying the foundation for the family's urban odyssey.

As Gohana's narrative intertwined with Delhi's urban sprawl, the family's journey echoed in the changing landscapes of Tri Nagar. A once-familiar setting transformed with closed trash blocks, relocated factories, installed street lights, and vigilant CCTV cameras. The winds of change swept through the narrow lanes, leaving a mark on the familial abode.

Manu Apartments, a contemporary landmark, emerged as a testament to financial odyssey. From a humble 4 Lacs investment, the apartment complex's present-day value surpassed 30 million INR. The story of Manu Apartments encapsulated the family's evolving fortunes over a span of 25 years, mirroring the resilience embedded in the familial saga.

2.5 Ahlcon's Pages and Class Teachers

The narrative expanded beyond ancestral roots, traversing the corridors of education. Birthed on December 18, 1991, at St. Stephen's Hospital, my academic journey unfolded through Municipal Corp. Gov. Primary School, Maharaja Agrasen Public School, and Ahlcon Public School.

Classrooms shaped my early years, with notable educators leaving indelible marks. Ms. Devina, my sixth-grade English teacher, stood as a beacon of inspiration. Annapurna, the stern seventh-grade chemistry teacher, added challenging chapters to the school saga. Ms. Snehlata, the Hindi teacher in ninth and tenth, brought a touch of warmth to the academic journey.

In the crucible of educational milestones, the years of my grandparents' births painted a parallel narrative. Grandpa's legacy, spanning from June 12, 1929, to February 19, 2021, left an enduring imprint. Shail Bala Jain, born on September 5, 1956, left a poignant mark despite her departure in the first standard. Viresh Chandra Jain, my father, born on November 27, 1958, added his chapter to the family's unfolding story.

As pages turned, the family tree expanded, weaving a tapestry of generations, births, and relationships that echoed through the corridors of time.

2.6 The Summer of '05 - Encounter with Vijay Sir

In the summer of 2005, during my eighth-grade days at Ahlcon Public School, fate orchestrated a bewildering encounter. An innocent misunderstanding, coupled with mistaken identity, led to a cascade of events that would forever linger in memory.

A classmate of my elder sister marked another student, Achal Kaushik, as consistently late. This marked the beginning of a comedic tragedy. Summoned by Vijay Sir, a Math teacher and my sister's class teacher, I found myself in a perplexing situation.

Accused of using Achal Kaushik's (another student) name, I staunchly denied the allegations, a stand that led to a series of unforeseen consequences. Vijay Sir, in a state of disbelief, unleashed a barrage of slaps, leaving me shell-shocked and the class in stunned silence. The absurdity of the situation was palpable, yet my unwavering commitment to the truth withstood the storm.

The incident, though a peculiar misadventure, became a symbol of resilience, a testament to standing firm in the face of unwarranted adversity.

2.7 Middle-School Chronicles - Friends, Foes, and Rumors

Middle school, spanning from the fifth to the tenth grade, unfolded a tapestry of friendships, foes, and peculiar rumors. Gurarchi, a constant companion from fifth to eighth grade, navigated the complexities of school life alongside me.

Intriguing incidents marked those years—a playful inquiry about my appearance met with Buaji's swift intervention, lab computer mischief that cast a shadow on my reputation, and a borrowed notebook sparking rumors of childhood romance with Sukanya.

Friendship and camaraderie transcended classrooms, with younger friends seeking counsel in times of conflict. Meanwhile, a towering figure named Amrit brought a peculiar obsession into the open, unashamedly discussing the progress of his phallus, providing a comedic interlude amid academic rigors.

The post-ninth class era saw unexpected encounters with schoolmates Hemanshu and Shashwat. Hemanshu's journey, marked by setbacks and resurgence, revealed unexpected depths, challenging preconceived notions. Shashwat, Prachi's cousin, became an unwitting adversary in a chess match, shattering my presumed prowess.

2.8 First Foray into Romance - An Email Proposal

The summer of 2006 marked a teenage foray into the realms of romance, fueled by the novelty of the internet. Armed with my first-ever email ID, 'crazyboy_17_jain@yahoo.co.in,' I embarked on a journey of emotions, initiating an email proposal to Sonal, a friend of my cousin sister Srishti in the society.

Unaware of the intricacies of online communication, I faced a setback as the email bounced back, triggering confusion and a curious confrontation with Sonal. The misguided attempt at romance unravelled with her incredulous response, questioning the rationale behind expressing affection in the blazing heat.

In an attempt to salvage pride, I veered into a creative excuse, claiming the proposal was merely an experiment to understand email reception. The incident, though fraught with awkwardness, became a humorous footnote in the annals of teenage escapades.

Epilogue: Reflections on Roots and Narratives

As the pages of familial chronicles unfolded, each chapter revealed intricate layers of experiences, relationships, and growth. From ancestral roots in Gohana to the evolving landscapes of Delhi, the narrative traced the family's journey through time.

Education, marked by memorable teachers and academic milestones, became a transformative force. Encounters with Vijay Sir and misadventures in middle school added vibrant hues to the canvas of growing up.

Friendships, rumors, and peculiar incidents during adolescence painted a vivid picture of a tumultuous yet formative period. The pursuit of romance, encapsulated in the awkwardness of an email proposal, stood as a symbol of teenage curiosity and innocence.

Through laughter, tears, and unforeseen challenges, the family's saga became a tapestry woven with resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of familial bonds. As reflections on roots and narratives permeated every chapter, the story continued, a testament to the timeless journey of life.