Independence Day

I woke up at 1 in the afternoon today. Had a bath and late lunch. Freaked around here and there till 4 in the evening. Surfed net a bit and then played cricket in the evening. Late evening was dedicated to bath and doing nothing. Friends went out for a dinner but I did not join then because I was getting too lazy to walk or drive, drive cycle. At 11 in the night I am writing this blog. One more day passed, one more Independence Day passed.
This day happened to be a day on importance when I was a kid. I still remember the day when I would wake up early on this day, dress in white, go to school to attend the flag hosting and parade. In fact I was a part of the parade. Sweets were distributed to all the students. Back home the whole family used to sit together and have specially cooked lunch and dinner together discussing things like freedom fighters and their battle against British rulers. But then things have changed, certainly.
I was coming back from Tech market yesterday when I met Col. Gill on the road near hospital. He was on his regular evening walk. He asked me as to what my plans were for the coming weekend and I said that I am planning to go to Kolkata. He replied, “You should not go tomorrow”. I said, “Why”. And his reply was, “I hope remember that tomorrow is Independence Day and you will find a lot of crowd everywhere”. Frankly speaking I was ashamed. Ashamed because I forgot that the next day was Independence Day. The feeling in itself was sinking. Later in the night I read the notice regarding the Flag Hosting at Institute main building. Now that was my chance to get my acts right. I planned that I will surely attend this celebration. But then, what you plan and what you do, don’t always run on the same track.
This afternoon, about 1 hour after I woke up, Swati called me up and told me that she attended the function. And yet again ashamed was what I was. This time ashamed for not doing this much even as a token of respect and gratitude for all those who sacrificed their lives to give us this day.
I am not promising anything to anyone, but I am apologising for spending this day like the way I spent it today. Forgive me!!!