Death of super heroes

I would like to put the topic in context in the beginning itself. This is not about Superman or Spiderman or any other man who can fly, save the world or wear his undergarment over the trousers.

It is about this thought that was brewing in mind over several days now. I finally decided to pen it down. It’s a theory that goes something like:

As you grow old the number of superheroes in your life decline.

Now you must be wondering what the hell am I talking about? By super heroes I mean people whom you have looked up to throughout your childhood. People who were immortal. I am talking about people who had answers to all your questions.

One of my biggest superheroes is my father. I remember sitting on his lap only 4-5 yrs old trying to measure his biceps with my hands that bought a reassuring smile that yes he is the strongest in the world. I used to love copying his walk; the way he used to eat above all used to love wearing his clothes and wonder when will I fit into them. For some inexplicable reason he had answers to all my questions no matter how tough they might be (or at that time they were for me).

As I started to grow and started to explore the world beyond the boundaries of my house and I realized may be he is not as super as I thought he was. Please do not get me wrong here. I love him the same way as I did while measuring his biceps. I respect him and am very proud of him. But as I grew older I realized may be he is not the strongest after all, there were some unanswered questions. And what made me realize that he is as human as anyone can be was when I grew taller than him. Something snapped that day something that announced that from today onwards he was my father and not someone who could save this world if need be.
There are several other similar heroes that were once immortal and god like for me. But over time I have grown out of that perception. Though honestly, I would like to go back in time and feel the same way about the heroes (specially my dad) like I did when I was 5 years old. The sense of security I got by their presence I miss it.

I know things evolve and not everyone remains the same. As I started growing up the world started unfolding itself. It showed me several colors some nice some not so nice. I liked the idea of being independent not answerable to anyone and doing everything on my own. So I started on this journey that took me to Mumbai and then to US. Little did I realize more I experimented with myself more I will be missing my previous life. There are a lot of unanswered questions in my mind one of the biggest is “How did I come this far?”

I know it’s for my own good and these are lessons of life that I should sit through. But what is the fee I am paying for this course?

Coming back to the main topic yes I do not have so many super heroes as I used to have but now I myself am a superhero for my little cousins, nephews and nieces. I would like to enjoy this phase and not break their illusion. Let them figure it out themselves.

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