THE WANT TO BE WANTED

The old man sat quietly near the window on his rocking chair, just observing. Observing the kids playing outside and remembering the times when he was young and flamboyant. He thought of the times when he didn't require a reason to smile. Smiling was the easiest thing to do, unlike now. He remembered how he was guarded by his parents all the time. All these thoughts brought tears to his still, weak eyes. He sat there expressionless. Like he always did, as he knew that there was no one to listen to his sorrows, his beliefs, it all seemed old fashioned now. Inside he was screaming out loud, bursting out his emotions but outside he sat dead still.

He overheard his son telling his wife that he hopes to get rid of him soon. That he is disturbing his privacy. These words were enough to not stop the flow of tears. Amazing thing about old age is that, every part of your body becomes slow and start failing but the tear glands remain the same. He still sat still, expressionless. Remembering how his son used to cry every time he talked about going away someday. And all the son required was a hug. The tears vanished and the smile appeared as if a magic wand was waved. The old man longed for a hug. A promising hug from anyone so that he could not feel relieved but he could cry out loud without reluctance. Knowing that someone was around him, to feel secured. They say that, once you get old you become a child again. With a lot of innocence and questions. You require attention all the time. He gets none. As he sits there, he wishes the time to pass by a little quicker. His want to be wanted will die gradually with him..