THE AGING BUTTERFLIES (A SHORT STORY ON OLD AGED PEOPLE)

Written by Yasir 

I'm Mr.Charles Picazza & meet my wife, Christina Charles & we are so called as Picazza couple. I'm at my late 70s & Christie, at 60s.We both are retired Professors of Willington University.

We're so glad today and enthusiastic as well. Our one and only daughter, Alicia arrives today after a long gap of 4 years. She is settled at Canada with her husband, Mr.Daniel Robbinson and his family. We had never got a chance to see our newly born grandchild, Denny who has just passed 2 years on last month. In fact, we could see Arial, the elder child only once, which too was four years back. Through the snaps, we could discover them as sturdy & charming, but this cursed old age health problems prevented us to fly to them. Heard that Denny looks like his father and is a naughty kid.

The flight may arrive around 6 o clock in the morning. So we were quick enough to get ready & set off to airport with an overwhelming bliss. Taxi approached airport at 5.30 itself. We were happy to wait for them, forgetting all our illness. Our eyes started wandering through each and every person coming outside. Seconds felt to be eras. We kept the bulging eyes wide open & then, through the entrance near the car poach, we viewed some familiar faces. Alas! Here they come! Words won't be enough to describe our happiness then. As soon as Alicia came near us, Christie broke out, embracing her tightly. I could no longer control and I also burst out in tears. Children looked at us strangely. Arial is a cute little princess now. And well, Denny looks extremely lovely baby. Christie took Denny in hands and he appeared to be terrified. Arial rides herself back when I stretched towards her. "It's your grandpa and grandma, Arial. Greet them.”- Alicia ordered. Hearing this, the chap smiled and wished us good morning.

"You changed a lot, my dear Alicia. And Arial is undoubtedly unrecognisable!”- I told my daughter. She responded that we appeared so weak and sought about our health conditions. We just contented it with a smile.

Days passed so swiftly. We enjoyed a lot with them. Our home was back alive. We forgot our illness & played with children. Denny is as same as we heard in case of mischiefs. He's a naughty boy with chubby cheeks and
scattering hair with big round eyes. He is so fond of climbing upstairs and everyone started talking about him. He would have been felt lucky to be with us since he was getting the best care a child can ever get. Arial too had a good time. She celebrated the evenings with nearby friends. At night, she would listen to a lot of tales by her grandma. Children was receiving the affection which they never had been getting before.

The calendar alerted the date, 29^th July. How quickly the days have passed..! 

Today is the departure day of my children. Perhaps, this may be the final time we meet and we can't ask even a better period of life. We showed more happiness which in turn caused us even more despair .The airport would have been become an emotional scene if we had
gone with them. So, we remained at home. I hid my tears inside me, otherwise Alicia could have fallen. She already possesses great sort of worries, but helpless to do anything as she was bound to be in husband's tie. She wanted a home nurse to be with us, but it's my part
of rejection which kept us against it.

As soon as their car started, our hearts also moved away. We're back to each other struggling with health, yet we're happy to be with ourselves. Call us as old people, but we're not mad at all. Living in a bungalow, having high professional degrees, taught in one of the best universities, experienced all sort of boons and now, the old age stares us. Just a single wish is prevailing within us now.

Whenever the end approaches, we want to be together & we want to rest in a single grave, yes. Together for ever!