This too will pass...

Life just passes away. There is nothing permanent in this world. Every thing changes except the law of change. Think over it from your own perspective. You have seen all the changes. You have survived all setbacks, all defeats and all sorrows. All have passed away. The problems in the present, they too will pass away. Because nothing remains forever. Joy and sorrow are the two faces of the same coin. They both will pass away.

You are just a witness of change. Experience it, understand it, and enjoy the present moment - this too shall pass!

Ron was gradually coming back to normal life. 6 months had passed after the dreadful accident. Ron had recovered from his physical injuries in about a month, but the shock of Laura's death had destroyed his mental balance. He did not give into drugs or drinking or smoking. He didn't believe in slow poisoning. He knew he had to be alive for his parents and to keep Laura's memories alive. He also knew that death was the only way to unite with Laura. Two conflicting worlds lived inside him : one said live for your parents while the other said die to be with Laura. He did succumb to the temptation couple of times, and had it not been for for his mother, he would've been with Laura by now.

He had not talked to many people after the incident. His appearance always had the touch of gloom. He gave up music; he never touched his guitar after that. He never played cricket either. It was as if he had forgot how he was. He never went out of home, other than to his office. There too, he rarely spoke to anyone, or exchanged a smile. At home, he would lie on his bed looking at Laura's picture on the wall in his room. At times, he would cry loudly, at times tears would be silently running down his cheeks. Friends often came to his place in an attempt to make him feel better, would sit around him & occasionally take him out. But that didn't seem to cheer him up. He would be better at that point in time, but as soon as they leave, Ron would go back. It seemed as though he had gone numb:nothing happening around him seemed to bother him.

Ron's state was too much for his parents to bear. He was their first and only boy child; mom's pet and a carbon-copy of dad in mannerisms. His dad was his inspiration and his best friend. But in this situation, his dad was not able to rekindle the spark. Something had to happen in his life to change it all, and that something came in the form of a journey. Ron, being the most experienced of the lot in his project, was chosen to go abroad. His manager too felt that a journey would make his state better. He was chosen to go to San Francisco, California. Many people were looking for an on-site opportunity while the lottery fell to Ron. However, he was not willing to go. It was one of those places which he wanted to visit with Laura. The Golden Gate bridge and its view from the East Bay Hills, a session of bird-watching walking hand-in-hand in the University of Cal (Berkeley's) campus etc were all places he wanted to go & things he wanted to do with Laura. He had dreamed about these. He did not want to go there without Laura. He kept saying in his head, Not without Laura.

But things do not always happen as per ones wishes; after much persuasion, from parents, friends and everyone who knew his state, Ron decided to go. Everyone felt, deep down in their hearts, that Ron would come back renewed; that the journey will help him overcome his present troubles. Ron too, wished that he could get back to a better frame of mind. He wanted to show his love to Laura by living his life just as she wanted him to live; happily, conquering great heights in career and personal life, being a great son, husband, dad... Deep down, he knew all this, and he hoped that this journey will help him get over this grief, accept the reality and move on. Ron prepared to leave for Cal, all official formalities had been completed. In whatever he packed, he took anything and everything which would remind him of Laura. Ron took leave from his relatives, and started off on his journey. His parents and little sis accompanied him till the airport. At the airport, he promised to his mom and dad that he will come back renewed. Mom and Dad embraced him, tears ran down their cheeks. He took a kiss on his cheeks from his little sis, waved bye to his parents, and walked on towards the emigration counter. When done with the formalities, he looked back to the gate, waved one last time, and proceeded towards the boarding area.