Bear hugs

Last few days have been all about change, change inculcated, change realized, change reverted. I was just wondering about how much I have changed, how much people around me have changed, how definition of things have changed and surprisingly how we adjust to it.

I have always been a warm person, one whom you can make happy with a simple warm hug and kiss, or even a warm smile. These little gestures bind a relationship of a lifetime for me.

But, as I was thinking I realized how much the definition of a relationship has changed today. What I defined as a chemistry, the lovely feeling, the longing to talk to someone, those cherished few minutes spent with someone talking sense or absolute nonsense, the feeling of wanting to know what your loved one is doing when you are separated without disturbing their space, the longing to talk even when you can't think of anything to talk about and actually ending up talking for hours when you meet up. Also, most importantly supporting each other's growth without losing the independence to take your own decisions, being strong so that you can support each other when one falls down. These were a few things I associated or rather still associate with a relationship. But to my surprise, relations have become pretty materialistic these days. "Oh! he got me a branded perfume!", or "She bought me an expensive tie!". And to confess the truth, I was about to fall for the same. I was going to buy an expensive gift. I was saved at the right moment, one of those times when you have to say, 'Whatever happens, happens for good!'

The little warm gestures like hugs and kisses have been long lost into oblivion. Since childhood I was taught that you can resolve anything with a warm hug.I have followed that till date, but these days things seem to have changed. Hugs, if shared, have become really superficial, a certain amount of hesitation and fear has somehow crept in. How I wish I can change it. Yesterday, I took off on a whim rode down to a slum and gave hugs to all the kids I came across. And to my surprise, when I came back to college, I got a nice warm hug from the least expected person. All I can say is, Thanks, you made my day and reaffirmed my faith in the lovely bear hugs!