Slow Death

As a kid, I was always fascinated by the mason's work. I grew up in a sub - urban neighbourhood before shifting to our apartment before high school.As a result,I would always have constructions going on all around my place.So, a better part of my childhood was spent playing ' Chor Police' with our toy guns in those ' under construction ' houses.I would often stand and marvel at the Chief mason's or as is referred in Bengali, the Rajmistry's work. The way they took the cement mixture and applied it around bricks, and then used their skill to finish up the curves so immaculately,always fascinated me.I had absolutely no doubt back then, that one day I would grow up to be a Rajmistry.

Then of course, the stupid thing called growing up happens.As it happened, I went to our apartment's rooftop yesterday to catch some sun. A building is under construction right beside our apartment.I never really paid much attention to it.Few people were working there,finishing up the sunshade of a room on the 3rd floor.I stood and watched for a moment.No, don't 'awwww' me.I wasn't gripped by nostalgia.I just wondered how unremarkable their work and life was, to the whole world.I,myself, respect and value everything they do, but sadly, I wan't marvelled.Then, of course, with a shrug,I walked away.

I immediately recalled the last scene in the movie ' Hurtlocker ', where Jeremy Renner, the war Vet explained to his infant kid.I don't remember the exact words.But the whole gist of it went something like this -- " As a kid, you may love a lot of things, but as you grow up, a lot of those things don't seem so special any more, and when you are of my age, maybe it's just one or two things that's left." The kid did not understand a word, and how would he,because if he did,a part of him would die.