Well, my writeup is not a rant actually. Although that does not mean that I have no complains but I would like to concentrate more on the positive side.
My bunch from both mother's side and father's side is as mixed as anyone else's. There are those we love, there are those we love to hate. All have their good and bad sides. But my fondest memories in life also have been with most of my relatives. My mother was friendly with everyone and kept in touch with even the remotest of our relatives. And us living in Delhi, meant that many of them visited us. Anyone who had some work there, made sure to visit us or even stay with us. Sometimes it was bothersome when they arrived during my exam time but my parents were always welcoming them with warm smiles. I never heard them say a bad word against anyone. It was, only after I grew up that I had to figure out all about them on my own accord.
We have relatives spread out all over India and the world 😄. Delhi, Rajasthan, U.P, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Bangalore, Germany, USA.... you name a place and maybe I will say I have a relative there 😄🤷♀️. I have also now tried staying in touch with most but then again... issues arrive, people change, love changes, circumstances become different. I have lost touch with some very closest ones and have also made new ones because of my marriage. There are issues there also but I have been married for many years now, hence, people change, ideas change, situations change... well you get the jist.
Having many relatives is a plus too sometimes, specially if you are a Bong and also the youngest. I have always received so many gifts during occasions. Be it Pujo or Poila Baisakh or Bhai dooj. Since I am the youngest in both the circles, I have been pampered with gifts when young. Books and clothes were the most common. Anyone who came visiting, always brought something for me. During Pujo, I never had to buy anything new for me because I received so many. 🤷♀️😁.
Times have changed now. We don't visit relatives to stay over anymore these days. Everyone has moved and everyone is busy. Many from our previous generation have passed away and we have lost touch too with quite a few. But in the day and age of social media it is also easier to stay in touch. Sharing memes with my cousins is the new norm 😄 and that's how we try keeping the bonds together. It is not easy to meet often but staying in touch keeps the nostalgia of the yesteryears alive, I guess.
Loved reading this and is also quite relatable. Yes, through social media we have been able to keep in touch with cousins and families. Things change yet keeping the bond alive is what will make a difference and see the beauty of our roots on this land.