And then there was five

Today morning Amma and Achan left to go back to India.

It was more than a year ago when they came here for a visit and it got extended when I got pregnant. They stayed on for the delivery and then longer to help us out. Even though Achan made a 4 week trip in between, Amma was with us for the longest time after a very long time. The last time we were all together for such a long time was before my marriage. Of course, more than me, they enjoyed Kochu's company. He blossomed in their love and care. Muthu (grandpa) had to read to him, help him learn the Spider-man - big cycle and attend the garden to ensure a healthy crop of beetroot (his favourite vegetable). While Ammamma (grandma) became his personal chef, his teacher teaching him sholkas; helping him in his little homework, and his favourite student when he played teacher, in summary his best friend at home. When Kunju arrived, they became our lifeline as they stayed home with Kochunni while we were at the hospital. They ensured Kochu never felt that he had been displaced in our attention.

We prepared Kochu as much as possible, telling him about their impending departure as many times as possible. He would always get upset and tell us how much 'sad, mad' he would be. In the middle of all this we forgot how much we would miss them. Its only been 8 hours since they have left and the house feels empty. Luckily my mother is law is with us, Kochu and Kunju are active as ever and keeping our mind occupied; but there already been many moments when the house feels deserted.

It always is the same story when a visit ends. Even if the visit is for a weekend, weeks or months the folks that are left behind find it the hardest to adjust. For the person traveling it seems like an easier adjustment as there are no more reminders. Change – the ever constant thing is life is a tough pill to swallow.