AGE SEVEN: THE DISCOVERY… or, as I like to call it, the epic tale of Deepavali drama and dodgy eyesight.

Picture this: Deepavali at my hometown, Raichur – crackers bursting, colors flashing, sweets tempting, and a platoon of kids ready to conquer the world in our brand-new outfits. It was like a mini royal parade, except we were more bumptious than majestic.

Now, here comes the twist in the festive tale. After the grandeur of firecrackers and the sugar rush from sweets, our great grandma decides it’s the perfect time for a ritual. Cue the castor oil on our heads, as if we were auditioning for an unconventional hair spa. Turmeric paste on our feet followed, turning them into what resembled sallow masterpieces. Sun-soaking was mandatory, making us feel like human turmeric sticks. Half an hour later, a race to the lone bathroom commenced, and let me tell you, back then, I was as swift as a swallow – shower victory was mine!

Post-shower, adorned in our majestic new attire, we paraded around like mini monarchs. Cracker-bursting privileges were next on our agenda, followed by a sweet hogging session. Because, you know, what’s a festival without a sugar-induced coma?

Now, the grand finale – a visit to the temple on the hillock as the sun set between twin peaks, creating a picturesque scene. I felt like I was in a Kodak commercial, posing for the perfect shot while saying my prayers and ringing the bell.

As darkness crept in, it was time to descend the temple steps. Now, fearing a ‘Jack and Jill’ scenario (I really didn’t want to be Jack), I clung to my dad’s hand like a lifeline. Little did I know, it wasn’t just my reluctance to tumble down the steps that concerned my dad. Nope, he suspected my eyes were up to some mischief.

Fast forward to the local ophthalmologist’s office, where I expected a quick fix for my eyesight – maybe a magical potion or an eye-shaped superhero mask. Reality hit hard when the doctor diagnosed Retinitis pigmentosa and prescribed vitamin A pills. My seven-year-old self, blissfully unaware, thought they were the superhero pills that would zap away the vision villain.

As for the conclusion, dear reader, I’ll leave that to you. Life’s little twists and turns, especially at age seven, are meant to be savored, even if they come with a side of vitamin A pills and a sprinkle of unexpected diagnoses.

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